Knee joint torque during the swing phase of normal treadmill walking

Cavanagh, Peter R.<sup>1</sup>; Gregor, Robert J.<sup>1</sup>

Affiliations

¹Biomechanics Laboratory, College of Heslth, Physical Education and Recreation, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, U.S.A.

Abstract

Net torques due to muscular action at the knee joint have been calculated in five normal male subjects during the swing phase of treadmill walking at speeds ranging from 1.5 to 5 mph. Surface electromyograms were also recorded from selected muscle groups in the thigh.

The results indicate that in a given subject the variations in peak torque can be explained on the basis of walking speed. The EMG's also show modifications which are speed dependent. From an examination of torques in all five subjects, it is suggested that consideration of the relevant body segment parameter is necessary to account for the between subject variations that are encountered at a given speed of walking.

The versatility of the normal knee joint is emphasized in a discussion of the calculated power characteristics and the implications of these findings for prosthetic replacement of the knee are discussed.

Links

DOI: 10.1016/0021-9290(75)90086-X

PubMed: 1184605

WoS: A1975AR64700009

History

Received: 1974-04-29

Cited Works (1)

Year	Entry
1972	Cavanagh PR. Patterns of Muscular Action and Movement Associated With the Range of Speeds Used in Normal Human Locomotion [PhD thesis]. London, UK: University of London; 1972.

Cited By (6)

Year	Entry
1991	Winter DA. The Biomechanics and Motor Control of Human Gait: Normal, Elderly and Pathological. 2nd ed. Waterloo, ON: University of Waterloo Press; 1991.
1977	Townsend MA, Izak M, Jackson RW. Total motion knee goniometry. J Biomech. 1977;10(3):183-193.
1977	Andriacchi TP, Ogle IJA, Galante JO. Walking speed as a basis for normal and abnormal gait measurements. J Biomech. 1977;10(4):261-268.
1976	Gregor RJ. A Biomechanical Analysis of Lower Limb Action During Cycling At Four Different Loads [PhD thesis]. State College, PA: Pennsylvania State University; August 1976.
1980	Clarke TE. The Pressure Distribution Under the Foot During Barefoot Walking [PhD thesis]. State College, PA: Pennsylvania State University; November 1980.
1984	Lafortune MA. The Use of Intra-Cortical Pins to Measure the Motion of the Knee Joint During Walking [PhD thesis]. State College, PA: Pennsylvania State University; August 1984.