Abstract
Energy expenditure and energy intake were determined in three subjects during a 160-kilometer
backpacking trip. Prior to the trip, heart rate and oxygen consumption during treadmill
walking while carrying a backpack were measured. Subjects recorded heart rate during
hiking. Heart rate was used to estimate energy expenditure based on the heart rate : oxygen
consumption relationship (Heart Rate Method). Expenditure was also estimated from
distance walked and elevation gained (Terrain Method). Subjects recorded food consumption,
and were weighed upon finishing the hike. Mean heart rate during hiking was 105 ± 12
beats per minute. According to the Heart Rate Method, net expenditure averaged 3410 ± 955
kilocalories on days 1 – 4, and 2586 ± 974 kilocalories on day 5. Net expenditure
from the Terrain Method was approximately 28 % lower. Gross expenditure, using the
Heart Rate Method, averaged 4928 ± 1050 kilocalories on days 1 – 4, and 3550 ± 1052
kilocalories on day 5. Energy intake averaged 2134 ± 625 kilocalories on days 1 – 4,
and 1117 ± 320 kilocalories on day 5. Expected weight loss due to the caloric deficit
was 1.8 ± 0.4 kilograms, and actual weight loss was 1.7 ± 0.6 kilograms. Subjects
expended nearly 5000 kilocalories per day and did not consume sufficient food to maintain
body mass.
Key words
oxygen consumption - energy expenditure - energy intake - heart rate
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Dr. Ph.D. Laura C. Hill
Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science
Norfolk State University
700 Park Avenue, Echols Hall 168
Norfolk, Virginia 23504
United States
Phone: + 1 75 78 23 87 87
Fax: + 1 75 78 23 94 12
Email: lchill@nsu.edu