Comments on: Natural Walking

By: Gael Ohlgren

Gael Ohlgren — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:41:09 +0000

Your point is good and well taken. Our article never meant to imply the absence of all leverage. It is clear that without leverage against a surface we can not initiate upright movement. I am not sure that there is only one way to initiate walking. One might initiate by leaning forward, another by shifting laterally, and a third by winding up the spine. For Gracovetsky’s concept, I would imagine that the first movement observed would be a rotation of the torso, or at least the abdomen. Although this is not what I see, it is possible. But I still am reaching for a model that puts the spine and legs in a cooperative coordination.
The lever/pulley model with its linear and sequential movement is a viable form of movement. But is it the only option or the most efficient? Research on brain function indicates that we are capable both of linear, sequential processes and simultaneous communications throughout a web like structure. The Root of Thought by Andrew Koobs

By: The Science of Natural Walking and Running

The Science of Natural Walking and Running — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:40:50 +0000

[...] We being who we are – we don’t often believe something is true unless it has been proven. We didn’t believe in gravity until it was proven. So, to read about the science behind Running Flow, check out this post. [...]

By: Stephen M. Levin, MD

Stephen M. Levin, MD — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:05:09 +0000

The key issue here is, ”does weight shift initiate in the spine or the foot?“ This article asserts that, “The lateral movement of the spine is a response to a combination of a slight push off of one leg and a lateral movement of the opposite hip ”, and therefore, initiated peripherally, at the foot. Gracovetsky contends that it is initiated by spinal movement, with the spine winding up and then extending out. I support Gracovetsky’s concept. I believe he has studied the concept as a scientist and biomechanical engineer, and shows strong evidence to support his contention. I might add that central core control is is also consistent with the biotensegrity model, peripheral push- off is a lever based concept.