Mechanics of Locomotion

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Abstract
Energetic and mechanical principles of walking and running are reviewed, using information available from force-plate studies. A mathematical model of walking is described that conserves the sum of the kinetic and gravitational potential energies of the body. In running, energy is stored transiently in the elastic deformations of stretched muscles and tendons. Theory and experiments are described using these principles and others to find the range of stiffness values for a running track that both lowers the potential for injuries and increases running speed.