Comparison of energy expenditure, economy, and pedometer counts between normal weight and overweight or obese women during a walking and jogging activity

This study compared energy expenditure (EE), economy of movement, and pedometer counts between normal weight and overweight or obese women during a treadmill walking and jogging activity. Participants were 13 normal weight (BMI 22.2 ± 2.0 kg m⁻²) and 13 overweight or obese (BMI 27.2 ± 2.1 kg m⁻²) women and all were non-smokers, not regularly active, and able to run 1.609 km continuously at 2.23 m s⁻¹. Each participant reported to the laboratory on three separate days within a 1-week period. During the first visit, tests for resting metabolic rate via indirect calorimetry, anthropometric measures, and VO₂max were completed. On the subsequent two visits, participants were randomized to perform either a 1.609-km walk at 1.34 m s⁻¹ or a 1.609-km jog at 2.23 m s⁻¹. During each physical activity trial, all participants wore a pedometer to assess steps taken. EE during the 1.609-km walk was 280 ± 29 kJ for the normal weight and 356 ± 42 kJ for the overweight/obese women and during the 1.609-km jog was 393 ± 46 kJ for the normal weight and 490 ± 59 kJ for the overweight/obese women. In both trials, EE was statistically greater in the overweight/obese women. Economy of movement was not statistically different between the normal weight and overweight/obese women during the walk or jog. In both groups, pedometer counts were lower during the jog than the walk (P < 0.05). These data indicate significant differences in EE between normal weight and overweight/obese women during both a walking and jogging activity.