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Why the upper limbs move during human walking.

K M Jackson

    Journal of Theoretical Biology
    |November 21, 1983
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Upper limb movement during walking, long thought to counteract shoulder rotation, is actually essential for smooth locomotion. This movement is controlled by the spinal cord, ensuring non-jerky gait.

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    Area of Science:

    • Biomechanics
    • Neuroscience
    • Human locomotion

    Background:

    • The traditional view posits that upper limb movement counteracts shoulder rotation during walking.
    • Alternative hypotheses regarding the necessity of arm swing in gait have been proposed.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the functional role of upper limb movement in human locomotion.
    • To explore the neural control mechanisms underlying arm swing during walking.

    Main Methods:

    • Discussion of alternative theories on upper limb function in gait.
    • Analysis of controlled upper limb movements during locomotion.

    Main Results:

    • Controlled upper limb movement is a critical factor for achieving smooth, non-jerky locomotion.

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  • Evidence suggests spinal cord centers play a role in regulating this movement.

    • Conclusions:

    • Upper limb movement is not solely for counteracting rotation but is integral to gait stability.
    • Spinal cord-mediated control of arm swing is necessary for fluid walking patterns.