External work in walking

Abstract

From records obtained from a triple accelerometer applied to the trunk of a subject the displacements of the trunk in vertical, forward, and lateral directions have been calculated. With motion pictures taken simultaneously, displacements of the center of gravity within the body were measured. From these data the external mechanical work of walking was calculated. The sum of work for vertical and for forward displacements of the center of gravity of the body gives the total external work; energy for the lateral displacements was negligible. Total external work appears to be lower than that calculated from the vertical displacements alone, because work done in lifting is partly sustained by the inertial force of the forward-moving body. Total external work reaches a highest value (0.1 kcal/km kg) at the most economical speed of walking, 4 km/hr, which corresponds to an energy consumption of 0.48 kcal/km kg. At this speed the internal work appears negligible; it amounts to appreciable entities at very low speeds because of the static contractions of the muscles, and at high speeds because of considerable stiffening of the limbs and movements not involving a displacement of the center of gravity. Submitted on May 25, 1962