Biomechanical considerations for economical walking and running

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Interindividual differences in movement economy are significant.
• Biomechanical factors are hypothesized to explain these differences.
• Previous reviews exist, but this focuses on recent and long-standing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the relationship between gait economy and selected body structure/biomechanical factors.
• To assess the consistency and importance of these factors.
• To explore recent topics like flexibility and feedback, alongside established ones like mass and speed.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies.
• Synthesis of findings on gait economy and structural/biomechanical variables.
• Focus on relationships with body mass, mass distribution, speed, stride, kinetics, flexibility, and feedback.

Main Results:

• Several structural and biomechanical factors show potential for explaining economy differences.
• Observed relationships between economy and these factors are generally weak and inconsistent.
• Muscular effort variables show the greatest potential for explaining metabolic energy demands.

Conclusions:

• Biomechanical factors play a role, but their influence on gait economy is not consistently strong.
• Quantifiable descriptors of muscle force production are needed to better understand energy demands.
• Further research is required to identify key muscular effort indicators.