Maybe these can just do my exercising for me so I can watch more Netflix
Researchers improve efficiency of human walking
21–30 of 33 posts
Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking
#22I guess you could say he's got a _spring_ in his step...
Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking
#23I've studied a number of martial arts and body work disciplines. One thing we did was teach people is to walk more efficiently - it's not hard given that the average person just follows the example of their peers and then allows habitual muscle tension to gradually interfere. The thing about this device is I suspect that even if did work, it would just allow people to just further lower their level of coordination an…
What is the correct method of walking?
Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking
#24Though what we really need is a device to decrease the efficiency of human walking.
It depends on your goals, of course.
For lots of adults these days, walking is the only exercise they get. If they're lucky it's a brisk walk.
Making that little bit of exercise consume less energy isn't really a goal in those cases.
Of course, there are still applications for this. They just seem unlike to be found among the sedentary masses.
Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking
#25I 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.
I feel like the running community would shun them, since it's technically an method of assistance.
Besides, I bet for ultra-elite marathon runners, the bulk of the shoe would outweigh the benefits it provides. You're talking about people who wear super-light minimalist shoes because it gives them an advantage.
Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking
#26I 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.
In the article they mention it's about a 7% efficiency increase, which they say is equivalent to taking of a 10 pound backpack. Which considering it's an unpowered device, it actually really impressive to me.
The running example would be fun to look at, but I think the benefit this could give to people who have trouble walking is even better. My grandfather had post polio syndrome which made walking incredibly difficult for him for most of his life. He didn't let it stop him, but you could see the pain on his face whenever he walked. I think something like this would have been beneficial for him.
Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking
#27interesting. 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.
I thought it was common knowlege? I know I've heard it enough times.
Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking
#28I've studied a number of martial arts and body work disciplines. One thing we did was teach people is to walk more efficiently - it's not hard given that the average person just follows the example of their peers and then allows habitual muscle tension to gradually interfere. The thing about this device is I suspect that even if did work, it would just allow people to just further lower their level of coordination an…
What is the correct method of walking?
Well,
Essentially "correct," or at least elegant, walking involves balance and a lack of tension. Naturally learning this requires a lot of direct experience since walking is primarily a reflex activity. However, walking is at the same a skill which can be learned and modified if someone looks into hands-on methods.
However, you can get some idea reading about The Alexander Technique, The Feldenkrais Method, Tai Chi and so forth.
[1] http://www.alexandertechnique.com/at.htm [2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feldenkrais_Method [3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_chi
Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking
#29I 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.
I feel like the running community would shun them, since it's technically an method of assistance. Besides, I bet for ultra-elite marathon runners, the bulk of the shoe would outweigh the benefits it provides. You're talking about people who wear super-light minimalist shoes because it gives them an advantage.
The claimed walking advantage is 7% even with the extra weight, which is a hell of a lot. They make no claim for running.
Re: Researchers improve efficiency of human walking
#30Though what we really need is a device to decrease the efficiency of human walking.
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