We modified an irreducibly simple model of passive dynamic walking to walk on level ground, and used it to study the energetics of walking and the preferred relationship between speed and step length in humans. Powered walking was explored using an impulse applied at toe-off immediately before heel strike, and a torque applied on the stance leg. Although both methods can supply energy through mechanical work on the center of mass, the toe-off impulse is four times less costly because it decreases the collision loss at heel strike. We also studied the use of a hip torque on the swing leg that tunes its frequency but adds no propulsive energy to gait. This spring-like actuation can further reduce the collision loss at heel strike, improving walking energetics. An idealized model yields a set of simple power laws relating the toe-off impulses and effective spring constant to the speed and step length of the corresponding gait. Simulations incorporating nonlinear equations of motion and more realistic inertial parameters show that these power laws apply to more complex models as well.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
February 2002
Technical Papers
Energetics of Actively Powered Locomotion Using the Simplest Walking Model
Arthur D. Kuo
Arthur D. Kuo
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125
Search for other works by this author on:
Arthur D. Kuo
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2125
Contributed by the Bioengineering Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING. Manuscript received by the Bioengineering Division September 20, 1999; revision received September 17, 2001. Associate Editor: M. G. Pandy.
J Biomech Eng. Feb 2002, 124(1): 113-120 (8 pages)
Published Online: September 17, 2001
Article history
Received:
September 20, 1999
Revised:
September 17, 2001
Citation
Kuo, A. D. (September 17, 2001). "Energetics of Actively Powered Locomotion Using the Simplest Walking Model ." ASME. J Biomech Eng. February 2002; 124(1): 113–120. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1427703
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Related Articles
Intelligent Motor Powered Prosthetic Knee Joint
J. Med. Devices (June,2011)
A Biomechanical Model of the Foot: The Role of Muscles, Tendons, and Ligaments
J Biomech Eng (June,2002)
The Generalized Torque Approach for Analyzing the Results of Pedaling Tests
J Biomech Eng (February,2001)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Intuitive Optimization
Engineering Optimization: Applications, Methods, and Analysis
Rationale for Human-Powered Vehicle Design and Use
Design of Human Powered Vehicles
Clinical issues and experience
Mechanical Blood Trauma in Circulatory-Assist Devices