Studies of human locomotion: past, present and future
Introduction
As the study of human locomotion and its applications advance, it is useful to examine key historical developments and the influence of these developments on the growth of the field. An analysis of these events helps to predict the direction the field will evolve. Advancement in this field has typically been driven by a need to answer fundamental questions coupled with the technology capable of addressing the questions.
The reasons for studying human locomotion have changed over the centuries. The cave drawings in the Paleolithic Era depicting men and animals in motion were likely partially motivated by survival questions, based on the ability to efficiently move from place to place, escape from predators, and hunt for food. Even the Greek philosophers (500–300 BC) analyzed and described human movement (Lorini et al., 1992). Their observation of human movement was driven by a need to place harmony to the universe. Interestingly, the Greek philosophers believed that the senses deceive and therefore no experimental method can lead to truth; truth could only be reached by logical thought.
The philosophy of the Greeks provides some relevant questions for modern-day studies of human locomotion. Do our senses deceive us and limit our ability to observe and analyze human movement? Do the methods or protocols for measuring human locomotion contaminate the natural characteristics? These are valid concerns and should be kept in mind when interpreting measurements from locomotion studies, especially when attempting to generalize from a specific observation. Some early examples of the limitations of our senses are seen in the depiction of horses in motion (Fig. 1), where the position of the legs were incorrectly drawn (Dagg, 1977). Clearly, the eye was not capable of capturing the sequence of rapid limb movements of horses in motion (Muybridge, 1979). The expanded need for improved knowledge of locomotion drove the introduction of new methods of observation.
As noted, many of the advancements are motivated by new demands on our fundamental knowledge. The ability to observe and interpret measurements of human movement have been the primary factors limiting growth of the field. The purpose of this paper is to examine the direction of future developments in the study of human locomotion. The factors that influenced several major developments in the study of human locomotion over the last several centuries will be considered. In addition, future advancements in the study of human locomotion will be discussed in the context of new technology and ways that this new technology can be applied to the evaluation of musculoskeletal disease and injury.
Section snippets
Methods applied to the study of human locomotion
The advancement of the study of locomotion remains dependent on the development of new tools for observation. Over the last several centuries, there have been several fundamental advancements that have made a substantial impact on our understanding of the process of human locomotion.
The Weber brothers (1836) reported one of the first quantitative studies of the temporal and distance parameters during human locomotion. Their work established a model for subsequent quantitative studies of human
Results of applying the study of locomotion to clinical problems
The application of quantitative studies of human locomotion has contributed substantially to the improvement in the treatment of injury and disease of the musculoskeletal system. In particular, the treatment of neuromuscular disorders has been improved by analyzing dynamic gait characteristics of patients prior to treatment. Perry (1992) and Sutherland (1964) have been pioneers in the clinical application of gait analysis techniques to assist in the treatment of patients with cerebral palsy.
Conclusions
The study of human locomotion has contributed to the advancement of fundamental knowledge as well as applied fields ranging from military applications to health care. Clearly, there are unanswered questions regarding the factors controlling various patterns of locomotion adopted by individuals following injury or disease. There is substantial evidence that some individuals adapt their gait to compensate for instability, pain or neuromuscular pathology. A critical challenge for the future is to
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