Understanding energy flow in legged locomotion: Neglected effects have crucial implications

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The proposed program of study validates a novel approach to locomotion energetics that promises to revolutionize the understanding of gait and its control. The intent is to use this novel approach for three basic objectives: 1) gain insight into some key aspects of locomotion dynamics and control, 2) demonstrate the value of using this novel approach (over the commonly applied standard approach), 3) formulate and validate energy-based models that allow prediction of human and animal locomotion in circumstances that have not previously been observed (ie. models that are not designed to replicate what is observed in organic systems but to anticipate how the system will respond because the model inputs are based on the factors that determine the functionally appropriate movement strategy). These latter objectives will be of value in predicting how people move in different circumstances, understanding the effect the form of any mammal has on its walking and running energetics and will be important in formulating models predicting the effects of surgical interventions or assistive devices on human mobility.