Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
of walking on a flat surface. The figure may then change the angle of descent,
scrambling downward with a sideways action and no longer placing the feet
down in a forward position but placing them on the ground at an angle to the
slope, to gain more purchase. Alternatively, the figure may extend the hands
backward, placing the hands on the surface of the slope for support while
bending the knees and perhaps even placing the rear end on the slope in a
semi-sitting posture. Of course, once the slope becomes so steep that even
this action becomes difficult, the figure will turn to face the slope and begin
to climb downward. This progression provides us with a very good example of
how the nature of a gait can change throughout an action to achieve a more
effective and energy-efficient motion.
Walking might not simply be a matter of a person or animal traveling from
point A to point B in the most efficient manner possible, but for the most
part that's exactly what it is. Given that the action—the moving of legs
backward and forward—is the same, it may be a surprise to see that the
variations in that action can be huge. A person with very short legs will have
a very different walk than someone with very long, thin legs. A person's
height and weight will also determine the nature of the walk.
Walking while carrying a load will also affect the nature of a walk, depending
on the size, weight, and shape of the load. A heavy load carried on a figure's
back may throw the body forward; a heavy load carried in the arms and
positioned at the front of the body may result in the body tilting backward. A
figure carrying a heavy load on one shoulder will result in a lateral realignment
of the body along the coronal plane to ensure that balance is maintained.
FIG 5.38
Walking carrying a load.
