Human Locomotion Focus on Walking Taylor Murphy HSS 537.

Human Locomotion

Focus on Walking

Taylor MurphyHSS 537

Objectives

Understand the relationship between center of gravity, stability, and mobility

Know the importance of force Identify the importance of the

transition from standing to walking Understand the fundamentals of

walking Review the main points of locomotion

Important Terminology

Center of Gravity (COG): the balance point or point where all the weight of the body or object is concentrated

Stability: when an object is in equilibrium

Mobility: when an object is in motion

Center of Gravity

Two conditions must be met: All the linear forces acting on the

body must be balanced All the rotary forces (torques) must be

balanced Location of COG of humans in

normal standing position varies with body build, age, and sex

Stability and Equilibrium

All objects at rest are in equilibrium All objects at rest are not equally stable Stable Equilibrium Unstable Equilibrium Neutral Equilibrium

Stable vs. Unstable vs. Neutral

Factors Affecting Stability

Size of base of support Height of the COG Relation of the line of gravity to the

base of support

Law of Reaction

Newton’s Third Law: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction

Gait Cycle

Gait Cycle: is the continuous repetitive pattern of walking or running

Gait Cycle is comprised of 2 phases Stance Phase:

Heel Strike Foot Strike Mid Stance Toe Off

Swing Phase: Acceleration Mid Swing Deceleration

Gait Cycle (cont.)

Stance vs. Swing Phase

Additional Walking Terminology

Stride: is from heel strike on one leg to the next heel strike with the same leg

Stride Length: is the distance covered during a single stride

Step: begins with the heel strike of one leg and ends with the heel strike of the contralateral, or opposite, leg

Objectives of Gait

Maintain balance Produce/Resist/dissipate forces Move body in intended direction Conserve energy Shock Absorption

In Conclusion

Normal Locomotion is achieved with complex combinations of stability, mobility, motor control, and force

These factors will work congruently to provide the most shock-absorbing and energy efficient forward movement

References

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 17.6 (2005): 1-9. Print.

Kinesiology: Scientific Basis of Human Motion. 11th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008. Print.

Normal Human Locomotion, Part 1: Basic Concepts and Terminology 6 (2006): 1-8. Print.

Normal Human Locomotion, Part 2: Motion, Ground Reaction Force and Muscle Activity 6 (2006): 9-17. Print.

Sports Injury Clinic. Sports Injury Clinic, 23 Apr. 2008. Web. 20 Nov. 2009.

<http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/general/gait_analysis.php>.

Thank You

Human Locomotion with a focus on walking