Kinetics of Gait

Which internal forces are primarily involved in the kinetics of gait?

What is the role of mechanical energy during the swing phase of walking?

At what point during the stance phase is the axis of rotation transferred?

What does the center of pressure (COP) indicate in terms of gait?

Which of the following equations represents potential energy related to gravity?

What does the equation P(j) = M(j) imply in the context of walking?

How does potential energy transform during the falling phase of the stance phase?

Which of the following factors is NOT involved in distributing ground reaction forces?

What kind of energy transformation occurs at toe-off during the swing phase?

What characterizes the stance phase of walking in terms of energy?

Kinetics of Gait

Walking is powered by both internal and external forces.
External forces include gravity, friction, and ground reaction forces.
Internal forces include muscles, friction, and other internal forces.

Stance Phase of Walking

The stance phase can be modeled as an inverted pendulum.
Forward momentum provides angular rotation for the rising phase of stance.
Potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy during the falling phase.
The axis of rotation is transferred from the ankle to the hip at toe-off.
Potential energy is calculated as: Ep (J) = mass (kg) x gravitational acc (m/s/s) x height (m)
Kinetic energy is calculated as: Ek (J) = ½ x mass (kg) x velocity (m/s)2

Swing Phase of Walking

The swing phase can be modeled as a conventional pendulum
The swing phase reduces the need for muscle activation.
Potential energy at toe-off is converted to kinetic energy during the falling phase.
The inverse occurs during the rising phase.
Pendulum (leg) length determines the "natural" frequency of human gait.

Ground Reaction Forces

Ground reaction forces can be analyzed in detail by dividing the gait cycle into distinct phases.

Distributing Ground Reaction Force

Pressure is calculated as: Force/Area [N/m2]
Distributing force reduces the likelihood of injury.
The Centre of Pressure (COP) reflects the efficiency of weight transfer and indicates potential for excessive tissue loading during gait.

Mechanical Power During Walking

Mechanical power is calculated as: P(j) = M(j).

Explore the dynamics of walking through the analysis of gait kinetics. This quiz covers the forces that drive walking, including both internal and external factors, as well as the phases of walking: stance and swing. Understand how energy transforms during movement and the models that represent these phases.