TRAINING FAVORS THE FORWARD PROGRESSION DURING HUMAN LOCOMOTION.

The purpose of this study was to test if the mechanical locomotion technique was linked to training. To this end we calculated the different kinetic energies ratios to the total kinetic energy in three groups (untrained, sprinter and endurance-trained men) during walking and running on a treadmill. It appeared that walking was distinguished from running by higher translational body segments movements in the sagittal plane. Moreover training was necessary to favor the forward progression by minimizing interference movements at all walking and running speeds.

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