Coordination Dynamics of the Bipedal Galloping Pattern

• Published in: Journal of motor behavior Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 311 - 325
• Main Authors: Peck, Andrew J., Turvey, M. T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC Taylor & Francis Group 01.12.1997; Heldref
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; coupling; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; gaits; interlimb coordination; rhythmic movement; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports; Human; Sport; Kinematics; Body movement; Bipedal walking; Dynamic model; Mathematical model; Jumping; Modeling; Motricity; interlimb coordination; coupling; rhythmic movement; gaits
• ISSN: 0022-2895; 1940-1027
• DOI: 10.1080/00222899709600018

A motion equation in relative phase was developed that incorporates the spatial-temporal pattern of the bipedal gallop along with the more commonplace patterns of the bipedal jump and walk-run. In 3 experiments, human participants (N = 6 per experiment) simulated the bipedal gait patterns through the rhythmic motions of hand-held pendulums. Predictions of the motion equation for coordination equilibria and their respective degrees of stability were confirmed. In particular, the gallop pattern was less stable than the fundamental in-phase and antiphase patterns but changed in qualitatively similar ways to those gaits as a function of limb asymmetry and movement frequency. The relation between the modeled coordination dynamics and the kinematic characteristics of real bipedal galloping is discussed.