Effect of lower limb on body propulsion

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human locomotion analysis

Background:

• Understanding lower limb contributions to forward propulsion is crucial in gait analysis.
• Previous research has explored gait dynamics, but a detailed comparison of swing and stance phase impulses is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare the propulsive and restraining forces generated by the leg during the swing and stance phases of walking.
• To determine the primary contributor to forward body propulsion between the swing and stance legs.
• To compare gait impulses between males and females.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a Vicon gait-analysis system for data collection.
• Performed a 2D, sagittal-plane biomechanical analysis using a link-segment model.
• Calculated horizontal hip forces and integrated them over time to determine linear impulses during gait phases.

Main Results:

• The deceleration of the swing leg was identified as the major contributor to forward body propulsion.
• The stance leg initially produced a negative impulse (restraining force) and later a positive impulse during push-off.
• No significant differences in gait impulses were found between males and females across all gait phases.

Conclusions:

• The swing leg's deceleration plays a critical role in forward gait propulsion.
• A distinct pattern of gait impulses exists for normal walking, characterized by initial restraint and later propulsion from the stance leg.
• Sex does not significantly influence the observed gait impulse patterns.