Normal gait conserves energy partly because the COM does what?

Normal gait conserves energy partly because the COM does what?

• A. Moves excessively
• B. Moves only side-to-side
• C. Stops moving during stance
• D. Does not move much

Answer: (D)

During normal walking, energy efficiency comes from the way the body's center of mass moves: it follows a smooth, small-amplitude path rather than swinging wildly with every step. The leg acts like a pendulum and the body exchanges energy between potential and kinetic forms as you progress, so the vertical rise and horizontal displacement of the COM are kept modest. This limited movement means muscles do less work to lift and propel the whole body each moment, helping conserve energy over the gait cycle. So, the center of mass does not move much in everyday walking, which is why normal gait is energy-efficient.

During normal walking, energy efficiency comes from the way the body's center of mass moves: it follows a smooth, small-amplitude path rather than swinging wildly with every step. The leg acts like a pendulum and the body exchanges energy between potential and kinetic forms as you progress, so the vertical rise and horizontal displacement of the COM are kept modest. This limited movement means muscles do less work to lift and propel the whole body each moment, helping conserve energy over the gait cycle. So, the center of mass does not move much in everyday walking, which is why normal gait is energy-efficient.