Abstract
[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of free moment while walking at different speeds and while running. [Subjects and Methods] Sixteen healthy male and female volunteers participated in this study. The free moment characteristics under four conditions, namely, slow walking, comfortable walking, fast walking, and jogging, were compared. Furthermore, the correlation between the free moment characteristics and the vertical component of the ground reaction force under each condition was verified. [Results] While walking, the free moment resisting foot abduction tended to increase as the walking speed increased. Meanwhile, the vertical component of the ground reaction force was larger while jogging than while walking; however, there was no significant change in the amplitude of the free moment. [Conclusion] Free moment characteristics demonstrated different transitions for walking and jogging. It was suggested that for free moment while running, it is important to pay attention to its direction and that it is influenced by the characteristics of the body kinematics.
