Question

Explain one of the most important difference between the Mechanical analysis of walking and running?

Answer 1

Differences between walking and running:
1. There is a double support phase during running whereas,there is a double support phase during walking.
2. In running the swing phase is longer whereas, stance phase is longer in walking.
3. In running, there is floating phase but it is absent in walking.
4.The linear and angular velocity of lower extremity is faster in running but slower in walking.
5. In running the required range of motion is greater whereas it is required less in walking.

Mechanical analysis of running;
1. Stance phase:The stance phase is that phase is which the foot is in contact with the ground. This phase can be divided into the four stages which are described below:
a) Initial contact stage: This stage begins at the moment when both feet are off the ground.Suppose the left leg remains in the front and about to touch the ground.The moment, when the foot touches the ground is called as initial contact stage.
b) Braking or absorption stage: When the left foot makes the initial contact to the ground in your front,your body starts performing a controlled landing.The left knee and ankle flex and the left foot rolls to absorb forces.It is called braking or absorption stage.
c) Midstance stage: The braking or absorption stage continues until the left leg is directly under the hip taking maximum load as the boby weight passes over it.
d) Propulasive stage: Propulsive stage occurs when the supporting leg or left foot leaves the ground and propel your body in forward direction.Propulsion is achieved by your left ankle, knee and hip all extending to push the body up and forward using the elastic energy stored during the absorption phase.

2. Swing phase: Swing phase is initiated with toe off of left foot and ends with intial contact stage with right foot. The swing phase is longer in running in comparison to stance phase.