Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Walking
The way we move, what we choose to do, and how we choose to do it are
largely determined by how we are feeling physically, our moods, and our
temperament. Even in the most everyday and prosaic of activities—walking—
our moods and temperament will most likely be reflected. An individual who
has just received some very good news may walk with a more invigorated
stride than normal; conversely, the person who has just received some very
sad news may walk more slowly and may hold his body in a more slouched
posture. But to start with, let's consider for a moment some of the issues
other than physiological ones that can influence a simple and straightforward
action such as walking.
A walking man either may choose to or through necessity alter his natural
gait at the beginning or at any point during the walk, depending on the
environment he finds himself walking in or the ground he is walking on.
Walking on a slippery surface or walking through sticky mud several inches
deep will demand a very different approach than strolling along on a firm,
flat surface. The length of the stride often shortens when we walk on an icy
surface, with the foot being placed flat to the ground along its length, unlike
the action in a normal walk, where the heel makes contact with the ground
first before the foot is then flattened.
If we're walking through deep mud or snow, the height the foot is lifted
from the ground may be higher than normal so that we can extract the foot
vertically from the mud or snow. This lifting action is more effective and
efficient than attempting to slide the foot forward at the same time as raising
it, as in a normal walk. Indeed, the viscous nature of the mud or the depth of
the snow may prevent the foot moving forward at all, and the only way to
make a stride would be to extract the foot vertically.
Seasonal effects can result in different walks; high temperatures may slow
down a walker and make for a rather lethargic gait, whereas walking in heavy
rain may create a hunched appearance, with the arms tucked into the body,
and a more hurried stride.
Walking on a sloped surface, either upward or downward, will affect a walker's
gait, and the nature of the walk will vary depending on the slope's steepness
and the nature of the slope's surface.
We may also notice differences in walks as a result of gender. Of course,
it's rather dangerous to generalize, but on occasion we can observe very
noticeable differences in the walks of men and women. Some men tend to
walk in a noticeably heavy manner, with their feet positioned wide apart,
whereas some women walk with a stride that places the feet closer together,
one in front of the other.
Some heavily pregnant women carry so much weight that they are forced to
adjust their posture and walking gait to compensate for the additional load.
