Watch the following two video tutorials on weight shift during a walk cycle. After watching both videos, take the quiz

Weight Shift & Walks, Part 1

Weight Shift & Walks, Part 1

Summary for Part 1:

• Weight shift in a walk is noticeable in passive overlapping actions (motion of hair, cloth, etc.).

• Variation in weight also called “counteraction.”

•The effective weight change is significant; a variation of 50% of body weight is common.

• The effective total weight is greatest in the contact pose, from heel strike to toe off.

• The effective total weight is least in the passing position, as the body slows while rising and then speeds up while falling.

Weight Shift & Walks, Part 2

Weight Shift & Walks, Part 2

Summary for Part 2:

• Slow walks show very little weight variation as weight shifts from one foot to the other.

• Fast walks show significant weight variation due to both quicker timing and the greater up/down motion of the body.

• There is a backwards reaction force from heel strike of the contact pose to passing position.

• There is a forward reaction force from passing position to toe off of the contact pose.

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Optional: See more force plate data with various volunteers:

Optional: Watch this video of various volunteers walking slowly on force plates:

Optional: Watch this video of various volunteers walking fast on force plates: