Curtin University Homepage
  • Library
  • Help
    • Admin

    espace - Curtin’s institutional repository

    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.
    View Item 
    • espace Home
    • espace
    • Curtin Research Publications
    • View Item
    • espace Home
    • espace
    • Curtin Research Publications
    • View Item

    The Foot's Arch and the Energetics of Human Locomotion

    Access Status
    Open access via publisher
    Authors
    Stearne, Sarah
    McDonald, K.
    Alderson, J.
    North, I.
    Oxnard, C.
    Rubenson, J.
    Date
    2016
    Type
    Journal Article
    
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Citation
    Stearne, S. and McDonald, K. and Alderson, J. and North, I. and Oxnard, C. and Rubenson, J. 2016. The Foot's Arch and the Energetics of Human Locomotion. Scientific Reports. 6.
    Source Title
    Scientific Reports
    DOI
    10.1038/srep19403
    ISSN
    2045-2322
    School
    School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/55292
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    Abstract

    The energy-sparing spring theory of the foot's arch has become central to interpretations of the foot's mechanical function and evolution. Using a novel insole technique that restricted compression of the foot's longitudinal arch, this study provides the first direct evidence that arch compression/recoil during locomotion contributes to lowering energy cost. Restricting arch compression near maximally (~80%) during moderate-speed (2.7 ms -1 ) level running increased metabolic cost by + 6.0% (p < 0.001, d = 0.67; unaffected by foot strike technique). A simple model shows that the metabolic energy saved by the arch is largely explained by the passive-elastic work it supplies that would otherwise be done by active muscle. Both experimental and model data confirm that it is the end-range of arch compression that dictates the energy-saving role of the arch. Restricting arch compression had no effect on the cost of walking or incline running (3°), commensurate with the smaller role of passive-elastic mechanics in these gaits. These findings substantiate the elastic energy-saving role of the longitudinal arch during running, and suggest that arch supports used in some footwear and orthotics may increase the cost of running.

    Related items

    Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.

    • The role of arch compression and metatarsophalangeal joint dynamics in modulating plantar fascia strain in running
      McDonald, K.; Stearne, Sarah; Alderson, J.; North, I.; Pires, N.; Rubenson, J. (2016)
      Elastic energy returned from passive-elastic structures of the lower limb is fundamental in lowering the mechanical demand on muscles during running. The purpose of this study was to investigate the two length-modulating ...
    • The relationship between front foot position and lower limb and lumbar kinetics during a drag flick in specialist hockey players
      Wild, Catherine ; Rosalie, Simon ; Iyengar, Smitha; Ng, Leo ; Sherry, D.; Loh, W.; Sjurseth, A. (2016)
      Introduction: The penalty corner set play is one of the most important scoring tools in field hockey and the drag flick (DF) is used preferentially over hitting, due to the height restriction imposed on hits at goals. ...
    • Chemical compression and transport of hydrogen using sodium borohydride
      Ibrahim, Ainee ; Paskevicius, Mark ; Buckley, Craig E. (2023)
      As the need for renewable energy is heightened, energy storage and distribution solutions must be developed. Hydrogen is an abundant energy source with the highest gravimetric energy density of all materials. It can be ...
    Advanced search

    Browse

    Communities & CollectionsIssue DateAuthorTitleSubjectDocument TypeThis CollectionIssue DateAuthorTitleSubjectDocument Type

    My Account

    Admin

    Statistics

    Most Popular ItemsStatistics by CountryMost Popular Authors

    Follow Curtin

    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 

    CRICOS Provider Code: 00301JABN: 99 143 842 569TEQSA: PRV12158

    Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy statement | Accessibility

    Curtin would like to pay respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of our community by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which the Perth campus is located, the Whadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation; and on our Kalgoorlie campus, the Wongutha people of the North-Eastern Goldfields.