Locomotion can be described as a subsequent series of stance and flight phases. In both phases the leg properties can be adapted. Here we consider spring-mass running with a linear adaptation of two leg parameters, leg angle and leg stiffness, during swing phase. The region of stability is characterized by the basin of attraction with sufficient reduction of a given perturbation within one step...

The leg function in human running can be characterized by spring-like behaviour. The human leg itself has several segments, which influence the leg function. In this paper a simple model based on springmass-running but with with a compliant ankle joint is introduced to investigate the influence of a rigid foot segment. The predicted forcelength-curve explains changes in leg stiffness as well as...

We are investigating how Drosophila imaginal disc cells establish and maintain their appendage-specific determined states. We have previously shown that ectopic expression of wingless (wg) induces leg disc cells to activate expression of the wing marker Vestigial (Vg) and transdetermine to wing cells. Here we show that ectopic wg expression non-cell-autonomously induces Vg expression in leg dis...

In this study, we examined intertester reliability of dynamic and static balance using the Chattecx Dynamic Balance System. Ten female and two male subjects were randomly assigned to two testers and completed ten, 10-second preprogrammed double- and single-leg test conditions. Balance was measured as postural sway in centimeters by the Chattecx Dynamic Balance System. Static balance consisted o...

...................................................................................................................... iv INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1 METHODS ......................................................................................................................... 2 RESULTS 3 Field O...

It has been suggested that, during heavy-intensity exercise, O(2) delivery may limit oxygen uptake (.VO2) kinetics; however, there are limited data regarding the relationship of blood flow and .VO2 kinetics for heavy-intensity exercise. The purpose was to determine the exercise on-transient time course of femoral artery blood flow (Q(leg)) in relation to .VO2 during heavy-intensity, single-leg,...

malian animals, i.e. that of a cat. It was also influenced by the spring-mass model representation [2]. Compliant prismatic legs show an intrinsic robustness for their angle of attack [2], they have a stability region. If the leg design is changed into a two segmented leg with a specific linear torsional spring, the leg stiffness kleg becomes nonlinear (Fig. 2(b) blue line), similar to that of ...

Balance disorders are very frequent in Parkinson’s disease (PD). One-leg stance performance is a predictor of fall risk. We investigated one-leg strategies people with PD. hypothesized that patients would choose, and better perform on, the leg on least affected body side. Fifty participants 2 to 19 years PD duration stood one while ON medication. The spontaneously chosen was recorded. Performan...