Biomechanical analysis of the development of human bipedal walking by a neuro-musculo-skeletal model.
A new computer simulation method, using a neuro-musculo-skeletal model, is used to clarify the process of acquisition of erect bipedal walking during human ontogeny. Walking was autonomously generated as a dynamic interaction called 'mutual entrainment' between the neural oscillation and the pendular movement of differently proportioned bodies. Walking patterns of humans with 8 different sets of alternative body proportions, varying from those of 8-month-old children to those of 22 years old adults, were simulated. The development of bipedal walking is characterized as the change from a forced oscillation controlled by the nervous system to the natural oscillation of pendular motion, determined by body proportions. Body proportions are the fundamental factor in the development of bipedal walking.
Yamazaki
N
N
Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Japan.
Hase
K
K
Ogihara
N
N
Hayamizu
N
N
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D012863:Skeleton; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*