AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT LOCOMOTION: SAMURAI-INSPIRED NAMBA WALKING

Abstract

Namba walking, in which the arm and the ipsilateral leg are moved at the same time, in contrast to normal walking, is believed to be more energy-efficient. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between Namba walking and normal walking in terms of their gait kinematics and energetics. Our findings indicated that different lower limb energy absorption strategies were adopted for Namba walking, as compared to normal walking. In Namba walking, energy absorption capacities were increased in both hip and ankle joints, suggesting that Namba walking can potentially dissipate external impact forces more effectively.