Investigating Gait Energetics with Waist Tether Systems

Dr. Philippe Malcolm and his team at the University of Nebraska at Omaha are pioneering research into gait energetics using waist-tethered systems. This innovative setup allows researchers to investigate how external support affects the metabolic costs of walking and running. By tethering subjects at the waist, Dr. Malcolm’s studies provide insights into the biomechanics and energy demands of gait, paving the way for advances in assistive device design and wearable robotics.

Goals and Objectives

The research undertaken by Dr. Malcolm aims to:

1. Quantify the effects of waist tethering on energy expenditure during gait
2. Analyze the stability and adaptability of gait in response to external support
3. Enhance understanding of how different gait mechanics influence metabolic cost

Approach

Dr. Malcolm’s studies use a waist-tethered setup that applies controlled, external support at the waist to help subjects maintain balance while walking or running. This tethered system serves as a controlled model for examining how energy is conserved or expended during movement and how stability and gait mechanics interact with energy requirements.

1. Energy Cost Investigation (Science Robotics) A primary focus of the research is to understand how waist tethering impacts the energy cost of walking. By applying external forces at the waist, Dr. Malcolm’s team discovered that the tether could help reduce the physical effort required, offering insights into how the body manages energy and adapts to external support during gait.

2. Gait Stability Analysis (Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation) The waist tether allows researchers to observe how the body maintains stability under external forces. Dr. Malcolm’s research demonstrates that tethering can help balance adjustments in real time, providing a clearer view of how stability impacts energy use and gait efficiency.

3. Real-Time Feedback on Gait Mechanics (IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering) With real-time adaptive feedback, the waist-tethered system enables researchers to observe how subjects’ gait patterns respond to dynamic changes. This responsiveness allows for accurate measurement of gait mechanics and metabolic cost, offering valuable data for studying human movement.

Results

1. Energy Expenditure Insights: The waist-tether system provided measurable reductions in metabolic cost, offering new perspectives on how energy is managed during walking.
2. Enhanced Stability Data: Real-time data on stability provided insights into the relationship between gait mechanics and energy conservation.
3. Responsive Gait Analysis: The adaptive system allowed for detailed observation of gait changes, contributing to a deeper understanding of gait energetics.

Conclusion

Dr. Malcolm’s research illustrates the value of waist-tethered systems as tools to study gait energetics and biomechanics. By examining how external support impacts energy expenditure and stability, these studies provide foundational insights that can inform future innovations in assistive technology and wearable robotics.