Supplementing joint stiffness during human locomotion

申请人先前对垂直跳跃、跑步和短跑的能量学的研究表明，下肢关节如踝关节、膝关节和髋关节通常像旋转弹簧一样工作。事实上，像脚踝这样的关节可以完全被被动机械弹簧所取代，并且仍然可以在跑步和短跑等活动中获得非常成功的表现。例如，奥斯卡·皮斯托瑞斯以10.91秒的成绩保持着双截肢者男子100米短跑的世界纪录！因此，在各种运动期间在这些关节处的能量储存和返回的概念是高度相关的。然而，问题仍然存在，是否补充目前完整和功能关节的刚度会影响性能。可以使用放置在服装中的弹性元件来帮助肌肉进行特定运动。事实上，我们的一些初步研究与弹性结构放置在臀部的运动服，导致了更好的性能，并已用于2008年北京奥运会。

Previous research by the applicant on the energetics of vertical jumping, running and sprinting indicated that lower extremity joints such as the ankle, knee and hip often work like rotational springs. In fact, joints such as the ankle can be replaced entirely by passive mechanical springs and still result in highly successful performances in activities such as running and sprinting. For example, Oscar Pistorius holds the world record in the mens 100m sprint for double amputees at 10.91s! Thus, the concept of energy storage and return at these joints during various movements is highly relevant. However, the question remains whether or not supplementing the stiffness of currently intact and functional joints can influence performance. It may be possible to use elastic elements placed in apparel to aid the muscles in performing particular movements. In fact, some of our initial studies with elastic structures placed at the hip in athletic suits have resulted in better performance and have been used in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.