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运动能量学方法，该方法有望彻底改变对步态及其控制的理解。其目的是使用这种新的方法来实现三个基本目标：1)深入了解运动动力学和控制的一些关键方面；2)展示使用这种新方法的价值(超过通常应用的标准方法)；3)建立和验证基于能量的模型，允许在以前没有观察到的情况下预测人类和动物的运动(即。模型不是为了复制在有机系统中观察到的东西而设计的，而是为了预测系统将如何响应，因为模型输入是基于决定功能上适当的运动策略的因素)。后两个目标将有助于预测人类在不同环境下如何移动，了解任何哺乳动物的形态对其行走和奔跑的能量产生的影响，并将对建立预测手术干预或辅助设备对人类流动性影响的模型将是重要的。

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.