Quantification of intersegmental reactions during rapid swing motion

A simple mathematical model was developed to quantify the non-muscular reactions between two adjacent segments undergoing rapid free-segment motion. Newtonian equations of motion were used to simulate the trajectories of the two segments using the input parameters of linear acceleration and muscular moment acting only about the proximal end of the proximal link. The intersegmental muscular force and moment were mathematically considered to be zero, and no constraints were placed on the motion of the two segments. The motion of the thigh and shank during the swing phase of running was simulated by the model and compared to the real motion obtained from cinematographic records. The simulation demonstrated that proximal thigh motion has a significant effect on the distal shank motion. Depending on the initial conditions, intersegmental reactions alone can produce large increases in distal segment speed. The role of the knee musculature in preventing these reactions during the swing phase of running was inferred.