Biomaterial Database

A model equation for the prediction of mechanical internal work of terrestrial locomotion. 1998

A E Minetti

Reparto di Fisiologia, Istituto Tecnologie Biomediche Avanzate, C.N.R., Segrate MI, Italy. minetti@itba.mi.cnr.it

By refining a previously published model, a simple equation for the estimation of the mechanical internal work during locomotion is presented. The only input variables are the progression speed, the stride frequency and the duty factor, i.e. the fraction of the stride duration at which a foot is in contact with the ground. The inclusion of this last variable, easily measurable, allows to obtain a single equation for both walking and running. The model predictions have been compared with the mechanical internal work experimentally obtained on humans in several conditions: speeds (range 0.8-3.3 m s(-1)), gaits (walking and running) and gradients (+/-15%). The close match between the two indicates that the model equation can be used whenever a direct measurement of the mechanical internal work is unavailable.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008124	Locomotion	Movement or the ability to move from one place or another. It can refer to humans, vertebrate or invertebrate animals, and microorganisms.	Locomotor Activity,Activities, Locomotor,Activity, Locomotor,Locomotor Activities
D008297	Male		Males
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D009040	Motion Pictures	The art, technique, or business of producing motion pictures for entertainment, propaganda, or instruction.	Film,Motion Picture,Movie,Cinema,Films,Films as Topic,Movies,Movies as Topic,Cinemas,Films as Topics,Movies as Topics,Picture, Motion,Pictures, Motion
D005528	Foot	The distal extremity of the leg in vertebrates, consisting of the tarsus (ANKLE); METATARSUS; phalanges; and the soft tissues surrounding these bones.	Feet
D005544	Forecasting	The prediction or projection of the nature of future problems or existing conditions based upon the extrapolation or interpretation of existing scientific data or by the application of scientific methodology.	Futurology,Projections and Predictions,Future,Predictions and Projections
D005684	Gait	Manner or style of walking.	Gaits
D006736	Horses	Large, hoofed mammals of the family EQUIDAE. Horses are active day and night with most of the day spent seeking and consuming food. Feeding peaks occur in the early morning and late afternoon, and there are several daily periods of rest.	Equus caballus,Equus przewalskii,Horse, Domestic,Domestic Horse,Domestic Horses,Horse,Horses, Domestic
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000465	Algorithms	A procedure consisting of a sequence of algebraic formulas and/or logical steps to calculate or determine a given task.	Algorithm