Mechanical energy flow in the recovery leg of elite race walkers

• Published in: Sports biomechanics Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 1 - 13
• Main Authors: Hoga, Koji, Ae, Michiyoshi, Enomoto, Yasushi, Fujii, Norihisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.01.2003
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Energy Metabolism - physiology; Foot - physiology; Gait - physiology; Humans; Leg - physiology; Male; Recovery of Function; Task Performance and Analysis; Walking - physiology
• ISSN: 1476-3141

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical energy flow in the recovery leg and its relationship to performance descriptors of elite male race walkers in an official race. Male race walkers participating in official 20 km races were videotaped with a VTR camera (60 Hz) set perpendicular to the course. The 28 elite race walkers (race records 1:19'50"-1:33'58") were selected as subjects. A two dimensional 14-segment linked model was used to calculate biomechanical parameters from the walking motion in the early phase of the race. The walking speed was significantly related to the step length but not related to the step frequency. Large mechanical energy flows at the hip occurred from the trunk to the foot during the first half of the recovery phase and from the foot to the trunk during the second half by the joint force power. Joint force powers at the hip in the second half of the recovery phase were significantly related to the walking speed and the step length. It is suggested that large joint force power at the hip would be one of the important factors to obtain high walking speed.