Calculation of mechanical energy cost in a simple model of human walking

Abstract

The mathematical equations for evaluating energy losses at knee-lock, heel-strike and due to friction at the ankle, knee and hip joints are developed within the context of a simple coupled pendulum model of human walking. The qualitative as well as quantitative theoretical predictions are in closer agreement with experimental findings during swing phase when these energy losses are taken into account. It has been found that in general the loss of energy at knee-lock and due to frictional forces is negligable compared to the loss of energy that occurs at heel strike.<>