Gait Dynamics and Locomotor Metabolism
Abstract
The proposed work has two objectives to improve prediction and assessment capabilities. The first objective is to determine if the generalized equation provided by our new gait mechanics model predicts the metabolic cost of weighted and unweighted walking more accurately than existing generalized equations. Our second objective is to determine how accurately weighted and unweighted walking metabolic rates can be estimated in field settings from simple technologies. Metabolic rates will be measured from expired gases. The timing of each walking stride, as well as its subcomponents (i.e. the contact and leg swing portions) will be determined from video. In addition, the periods of muscular activity responsible for executing the movements of the walking stride will be also assessed from electrical activity using surface electrodes attached to the skin above target muscles. The forces that subjects apply to the ground during locomotion may be measured from either a force plate or force sensors built into a treadmill. Finally, heart rate monitors to measure heart beat frequency, miniature motion sensors mounted to the shoe or other parts of the body to measure movement speeds and rates may also be utilized.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA612552
Entities
People
- Peter G Weyand
Organizations
- Southern Methodist University