Abstract
This study assessed relationships between changes in walking pattern, caused by applying a short leg brace (SLB), and energy efficiency. The subjects were 32 healthy young adults. In the first trial, energy efficiency during walking on a treadmill with the ordinary shoes was measured according to physiological cost index (PCI). A foot switch and an accelerometer were applied to each leg of the subject to determine of each phase in the walking cycle. In the second trial, the subjects were instructed to walk with SLB applied to the left leg, and measurements similar to the first trial were performed. The main result was as follows; the subjects whose energy efficiency increased during walking with SLB took a longer time in the swing phase in gait with SLB than in gait with the ordinary shoes. The results were discussed from the viewpoint of the hybrid massspring model which was presented in the dynamical systems approach.
