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Speed-related energy flow and joint function change during human walking

Hu, Z; Ren, L; Hu, D; Gao, Y; Wei, G; Qian, Z; Wang, K

Speed-related energy flow and joint function change during human walking Thumbnail


Authors

Z Hu

L Ren

D Hu

Y Gao

Z Qian

K Wang



Contributors

M Zingales
Editor

Y-J Lee
Other

N Lovecchio
Other

Abstract

During human walking, mechanical energy transfers between segments via joints. Joint mechanics of the human body are coordinated with each other to adapt to speed change. The aim of this study is to analyze the functional behaviors of major joints during walking, and how joints and segments alter walking speed during different periods (collision, rebound, preload, and push-off) of stance phase. In this study, gait experiment was performed with three different self-selected speeds. Mechanical works of joints and segments were determined with collected data. Joint function indices were calculated based on net joint work. The results show that the primary functional behaviors of joints would not change with altering walking speed, but the function indices might be changed slightly (e.g., strut functions decrease with increasing walking speed). Waist acts as strut during stance phase and contributes to keep stability during collision when walking faster. Knee of stance leg does not contribute to altering walking speed. Hip and ankle absorb more mechanical energy to buffer the strike during collision with increasing walking speed. What is more, hip and ankle generate more energy during push-off with greater motion to push distal segments forward with increasing walking speed. Ankle also produces more mechanical energy during push-off to compensate the increased heel-strike collision of contralateral leg during faster walking. Thus, human may utilize the cooperation of hip and ankle during collision and push-off to alter walking speed. These findings indicate that speed change in walking leads to fundamental changes to joint mechanics.

Citation

Hu, Z., Ren, L., Hu, D., Gao, Y., Wei, G., Qian, Z., & Wang, K. (2021). Speed-related energy flow and joint function change during human walking. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 9, 666428. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2021.666428

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 26, 2021
Publication Date May 31, 2021
Deposit Date Jun 15, 2021
Publicly Available Date Jun 15, 2021
Journal Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Publisher Frontiers Media
Volume 9
Pages 666428
DOI https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2021.666428
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2021.666428
Related Public URLs http://www.frontiersin.org/journals/452
Additional Information Additional Information : ** From Frontiers via Jisc Publications Router ** Licence for this article: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ **Journal IDs: eissn 2296-4185 **History: published_online 31-05-2021; accepted 26-04-2021; submitted 10-02-2021; collection 2021
Funders : National Key R&D Program of China;National Natural Science Foundation of China;Chinese Postdoctoral International Exchange Program
Projects : 91948302;91848204;52005209;51675222
Grant Number: 2018YFC2001300
Grant Number: 91948302, 91848204, 52005209, and 51675222

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