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Biomechanics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Motor Control

2019

Biomechanics

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Biomechanics

Metabolic Cost Of Asymmetrical Walking: Preferred Step Time Asymmetry Optimizes Metabolic Cost Of Walking, Jan Stenum Oct 2019

Metabolic Cost Of Asymmetrical Walking: Preferred Step Time Asymmetry Optimizes Metabolic Cost Of Walking, Jan Stenum

Doctoral Dissertations

Hemiparetic and amputee walking often has asymmetrical step lengths and step times, and it is metabolically costlier than symmetrical able-bodied walking. Consequently, asymmetry has been suggested to account for the greater energy expenditure, but the metabolic cost of asymmetrical walking is poorly understood. Conversely, even though symmetry is metabolically optimal in able-bodied walking, it is also possible that asymmetrical gait parameters may be selected if they are optimal under imposed constraints. First, to understand the metabolic cost of asymmetry, we performed experiment 1 in which we recruited 10 able-bodied subjects to walk with a range of different combinations of asymmetrical …


Metabolic Cost And Stability Of Locomotion In People With Lower Limb Amputation, Ryan Wedge Jul 2019

Metabolic Cost And Stability Of Locomotion In People With Lower Limb Amputation, Ryan Wedge

Doctoral Dissertations

It is generally accepted that metabolic energy expenditure and gait stability are key factors that influence the selection of able-bodied locomotor patterns. It is unclear how energy expenditure and gait stability are prioritized during walking in people with lower limb amputation. People with lower limb amputation generally have greater metabolic energy expenditure during walking and increased incidence of falls. People with unilateral lower limb amputation spend more time on the intact limb compared with the prosthetic limb, while able-bodied individuals generally walk with symmetrical timing between limbs. Restoring symmetry is often a goal of rehabilitation and assistive devices, yet the …