Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

#1

Post by SpaceInvader » Fri, Apr 03, 2015, 12:14 PM UTC

Researchers improve efficiency of human walking
nsf.gov

Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

#2

Post by jules » Fri, Apr 03, 2015, 6:23 PM UTC

Though what we really need is a device to decrease the efficiency of human walking.

Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

#3

Post by kzhahou » Fri, Apr 03, 2015, 6:29 PM UTC

Does an unpowered clutch engage a spring in parallel with the Achilles tendon when the foot is on the ground, offloading the calf muscles and making walking easier?

Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

#4

Post by diminoten » Fri, Apr 03, 2015, 6:32 PM UTC

kzhahou wrote: post #3

Does an unpowered clutch engage a spring in parallel with the Achilles tendon when the foot is on the ground, offloading the calf muscles and making walking easier?

That's... exactly what the caption under the first image says.

Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

#5

Post by JoeAltmaier » Fri, Apr 03, 2015, 6:36 PM UTC

diminoten wrote: post #4

kzhahou wrote: post #3

Does an unpowered clutch engage a spring in parallel with the Achilles tendon when the foot is on the ground, offloading the calf muscles and making walking easier?

That's... exactly what the caption under the first image says.

He's mocking the article, which repeats that caption on every picture.

Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

#6

Post by glial » Fri, Apr 03, 2015, 6:50 PM UTC

jules wrote: post #2

Though what we really need is a device to decrease the efficiency of human walking.

Beer.

Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

#7

Post by glaucoma » Fri, Apr 03, 2015, 6:55 PM UTC

jules wrote: post #2

Though what we really need is a device to decrease the efficiency of human walking.

I agreed with you intelligent dude

Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

#8

Post by kbar13 » Fri, Apr 03, 2015, 7:02 PM UTC

interesting. I didn't know that an unpowered clutch engages a spring in parallel with the Achilles tendon when the foot is on the ground, offloading the calf muscles and making walking easier.

Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

#9

Post by deegles » Fri, Apr 03, 2015, 7:03 PM UTC

I wonder if they also increase the efficiency of running. Maybe the first marathon runner to break the 2-hour barrier will be wearing them.

If the efficiency increase is significant, I could see it becoming common to wear for commuting to work. You could run longer distances with less wear on your body.

Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking

#10

Post by rjurney » Fri, Apr 03, 2015, 7:03 PM UTC

I could imagine military applications for this... especially if a soldier is armored, carrying a pack, etc.