Purpose: Walking is a complex activity that involves multiple parts of the body, including the lower limb, upper limb, trunk, head, and neck. Contrary to popular belief, walking is not solely related to the forward movement of the legs. Biomechanical analysis, especially in terms of mechanical power, is an essential aspect of gait studying. The study aims to explore how altering arm swing speed affects the 3D maximum mechanical power of the lower limb while walking.
Methods: In this study, 30 healthy women walked on a force plate path in front of cameras in three states of normal upper limb swing, fast upper limb swing, and slow upper limb swing. The calculation of muscle power in each lower limb joint and plane is based on the product of the joint moment and its angular velocity. The average mechanical power of the joints was compared using the repeated measurement test (P≤0.05).
Results: The results showed that changing the swing speed of the arm has a significant effect on all absorption and production parameters related to the mechanical power of the lower limb joints.
Conclusion: In conclusion, any change in arm movement during walking can affect movement, balance, and gait biomechanics.