Elsevier

Journal of Biomechanics

Volume 33, Issue 10, October 2000, Pages 1217-1224
Journal of Biomechanics

Studies of human locomotion: past, present and future

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0021-9290(00)00061-0Get rights and content

Abstract

The study of human locomotion and its applications are examined from a historical viewpoint. Several critical steps in the advancement of the discipline are considered in the context of addressing a particular need to answer fundamental questions regarding the process of human locomotion. In addition, changes in the methods of observation are discussed in terms of the advancement of the field. As an example, the application of a newly developed point cluster technique to reduce the artifact due to skin movement is described. The method was applied to a study of patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knees. The results demonstrate that patients with ACL-deficient knees have significantly greater than normal anterior–posterior displacement of the femur relative to the tibia during walking. Many of the advancements in the tools for observation and interpretation have been driven by new demands on our fundamental knowledge. Future advancements in the study of human locomotion will likely be motivated by new treatment modalities that require an in depth understanding of the subtle complexities of human locomotion. Future directions are discussed in the context of new methods for reducing errors associated with skin movement combined with information obtained from other imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging.

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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