[Development of the gravity vector in normal walking. Muscular and kinetic correlations]

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics of human locomotion
• Gait analysis and dynamics

Context:

• Investigates the dynamic body weight vector during walking.
• Utilizes pressure transducers to map gravity vector displacement and center of gravity movement.

Purpose:

• To study the variations and displacement of the vertical body weight vector during walking.
• To correlate trunk muscle activity and energy expenditure with gait dynamics.

Summary:

• The body weight vector shifts cyclically in the horizontal plane during walking, similar to a clock's pendulum.
• Trunk muscles provide essential mechanical compensation for this dynamic displacement.
• Electromyography confirms muscle activity patterns align with gait phases.

Impact:

• Identifies an optimal walking speed for minimizing energy expenditure based on individual weight and center of gravity height.
• Provides insights into the biomechanical control of gait and body weight management.