At approximately 5% and 55% of the gait cycle, which energy characteristic is observed?

At approximately 5% and 55% of the gait cycle, which energy characteristic is observed?

• A. Min energy change
• B. Lowest velocity
• C. Maximal potential energy
• D. Maximal kinetic energy

Answer: (D)

In walking, the center of mass energy alternates between kinetic energy (due to motion) and potential energy (due to height). These two forms rise and fall out of phase, so when one is high, the other tends to be lower. At around 5% and 55% of the gait cycle, the forward speed of the center of mass is at or near its peak, which makes the kinetic energy the largest at those moments. The height (and thus potential energy) is not at a maximum then, so the energy diagram shows a peak in kinetic energy with lower potential energy, illustrating the typical energy exchange during step-to-step motion.

In walking, the center of mass energy alternates between kinetic energy (due to motion) and potential energy (due to height). These two forms rise and fall out of phase, so when one is high, the other tends to be lower. At around 5% and 55% of the gait cycle, the forward speed of the center of mass is at or near its peak, which makes the kinetic energy the largest at those moments. The height (and thus potential energy) is not at a maximum then, so the energy diagram shows a peak in kinetic energy with lower potential energy, illustrating the typical energy exchange during step-to-step motion.