Walking at an irregular pace can lead to more calories burned than a steady pace, a finding reported by American researchers and covered by the Daily Mail. In the study, volunteers averaged 24 years old and weighed about 70.5 kilograms. They walked on a treadmill for five minutes while researchers tracked average step lengths with a specialized system.
After the first five minutes, participants adjusted their stride length for another five-minute walk. The stride length varied by 5 to 10 percent from the normal pattern, moving both longer and shorter. Calorie expenditure was measured by analyzing the volume of carbon dioxide the body exhaled as a proxy for energy use.
Movement analysis of eighteen healthy adults showed that energy expenditure rose by about 0.7 percent for every one percent increase in stride variability. The increases were small, yet persistent enough to be noticeable in the data.
Experts speculate that shifting from short to long strides, or the reverse, recruits more muscles to stabilize balance during movement. That added muscle engagement translates to higher calorie burn over the same walking period. If these results apply broadly, older adults, particularly those with neurological conditions, might require slightly more energy to walk safely and comfortably.
The study’s authors emphasize that even small changes in how one walks can influence energy use, suggesting practical implications for daily activity and fitness planning. This line of research aligns with broader questions about how gait patterns affect metabolic cost and overall health outcomes in differing age groups and health statuses.
Earlier discussions in the medical literature have explored inflammation and overall diet, noting how systemic factors can influence physical performance and recovery. While the current discussion focuses on stride dynamics and energy expenditure, it sits within a wider context of how movement patterns interact with body systems to shape performance and well-being.