title: An instance of reduced center of mass displacement: the Ba Gua Zhang walking gait.
abstract: The Ba Gua Zhang walking gait was examined in an accomplished practitioner to test the hypothesis that reducing the vertical oscillation of the body center of mass (CoM) conserves energy. Compared to typical walking, center-of-mass displacement and peak vertical ground reaction force decreased during Ba Gua Zhang walking. Muscle activity in the lower extremities and lower back, however, increased. The results failed to support the concept of decreasing CoM oscillations to increase efficiency.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Medical College of Georgia, EC-1342, Augusta, GA 30912, USA. rchong@mcg.edu
authors.forename: Raymond K Y
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Chong
authors.forename: Fung-Chow Alex
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Chiu
authors.forename: Kyoung-Hyun
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Manh-Cuong
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Do
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D004576:Electromyography; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007699:Kinesthesis / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*