New Equation That Accurately Predicts Calories Burnt by Walking: Study

Since walking is one of the most common type of exercises out there, walkers like to keep a count of the calories burned too. To help these people accurately measure weight loss, the scientists have invented a new equation that can predict the exact amount of calories burned by walking. The previous equations used for this purpose were built on standard assumptions. However, the new one is absolutely accurate.

"Our new equation is formulated to apply regardless of the height, weight and speed of the walker. It's appreciably more accurate," said Lindsay Ludlow, a researcher at the Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas.

This research will prove highly beneficial in the coming times as more and more people are depending on wearable technology and sensors to monitor their activity levels and body status. Researchers point out that since many devices are using standardized equations, the new one will definitely be received well due to its accuracy.

The equation crafted by SMU calculates calories burned by a person walking on a firm, level surface. There is further research to also predict the exact calories that are burned when walked uphill and downhill, especially when carrying loads, Ludlow said.

SMU scientists report the new equation in the Journal of Applied Physiology, "Energy expenditure during level human walking: seeking a simple and accurate predictive solution."
Study co-author Dr Peter Weyland said: "The economy of level walking is a lot like shipping packages - there is an economy of scale.

"Big people get better gas mileage when fuel economy is expressed on a per-pound basis."
He also added, "The SMU approach improves upon the existing standards by including different-sized individuals and drawing on a larger database for equation formulation."