Saborit González, GerardCasinos, A.2017-03-202017-03-202015-111748-670Xhttps://hdl.handle.net/2445/108644A mathematical model to predict the optimum gradient for a minimum energetic cost is proposed, considering previous results that show a minimum energetic cost when gradient is -10%. The model focus on the variation of mechanical energy during gradient walking. It is shown that kinetic energy has a marginal role in low speed gradient walking. Therefore, the model takes in consideration only potential energy. A mathematical parameter that depends on step length is introduced, showing that the optimal gradient is a function of that parameter. Consequently, the optimal negative gradient depends on the individual step length. The model explains why recent results do not suggest a single optimal gradient but rather a range around -10%.7 p.application/pdfengcc-by (c) Saborit, Gerard et al., 2015http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/esExerciciMetabolisme energèticMètodes estadísticsExerciseEnergy metabolismStatistical methodsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/article6503062017-03-20info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess26417377