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

拟议的研究计划验证了一种新的方法，运动能量学，有望彻底改变步态及其控制的理解。其目的是使用这种新方法的三个基本目标：1）深入了解运动动力学和控制的一些关键方面，2）证明使用这种新方法的价值（在通常应用的标准方法），3）制定和验证基于能量的模型，允许预测人类和动物的运动在以前没有观察到的情况下（即。模型不是为了复制在有机系统中观察到的，而是为了预测系统将如何响应，因为模型输入是基于确定功能上适当的运动策略的因素）。这些后者的目标将是有价值的，在预测人们如何在不同的情况下移动，了解任何哺乳动物的形式对其步行和跑步能量的影响，并将是重要的，在制定模型预测手术干预或辅助设备对人类的流动性的影响。

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.