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Biophysics & Medical Physics

Biomechanics of Gait

The quantitative analysis of human locomotion mechanics, muscle force coordination, and ground reaction forces during walking or running.

Governing formula Center of Mass Inverted Pendulum Energy Exchange (T ↔ V)
SI unit m/s (Walking Speed) & Ground Reaction Force (N)

In depth

Walking models the body's center of mass as an inverted pendulum exchanging kinetic and potential energy to minimize metabolic energy cost per step.

Examples in the real world

Force plates measuring 3D ground reaction forces during athletic running stance phases.