Mobile velocity-controlled respirometer: description and performance capabilities.

An apparatus modeled after the Scram respirometer designed by Corcoran is described in terms of design, specifications and performance capabilities. The results with the use of this apparatus in a study of 14 able-bodied adults of five controlled walking speeds are compared to those of a similar study previously reported by Corcoran and Brengelmann. Oxygen consumption (ml O2/kg body wt/min) increases proportionately to the square of the velocity of walking. Results of the two investigations are parallel, although the present report demonstrates a greater male-female difference at all speeds. Uses and limitations of the apparatus are considered.