Table 2. Comparison of physiological data during walking between the CLS and the free protocols. Data are expressed as mean (± standard deviation).
Variables
CLS protocol
Free protocol
Oxygen consumption (ml·kg-1·min-1)
29.2 (5.3) *
28.3 (4.9)
Oxygen pulse (average difference) (ml/beat)
14.2 (2.7) (3.04) *
14.0 (2.7) (3.06)
Mean heart rate (beat/min)
118.4 (5.5)
117.2 (7.6)
Standard deviation of heart rate
2.85 (.70) *
3.34 (.71)
Mean step rate (step/min)
118.7 (4.5)
122.9 (6.4)
Standard deviation of step rate
3.04 (.49)
2.71 (1.87)
* p < 0.05 compared with the free protocol
In the CLS protocol, subjects walked at the pace of their heart rate rhythm to induce phase synchronization between the heartbeat and locomotor activity. In the free protocol, subjects walked at their preferred pace.