The accuracy of the ACSM prediction equations, for determining walking caloric expenditure, in college-aged males and females.

Determine whether the ACSM walking equations, which calculate caloric expenditure, were accurate for college-aged males and females. Between 2011 and 2016, 100 college-aged males, 20.24 ± 2.0 years old, and 100 college-aged females, 20.8 ± 1.3 years old, volunteered to participate. Participants walked on a treadmill at 80.4 m⋅min−1 at grades of 2, 4, and 6%. Oxygen uptake was measured with an oxygen analyzer (Medgraphics VO2000, Minneapolis, MN). Measurements were converted to caloric expenditure. The mean metabolically derived (MD) VO ̇ 2 values, in ml·kg−1·min−1 for males walking at grades of 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0% were: 15.4 ± 2.7, 17.3 ± 2.6, 19.6 ± 2.8, respectively, and for females were: 15.2 ± 1.1, 16.0 ± 2.0, 17.4 ± 4.2, respectively. ACSM prediction equation values for VO ̇ 2 at the described parameters are 14.4, 17.3 and 20.8, respectively. ACSM prediction equations are not a good predictor of overall caloric expenditure, in college-aged males and females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]