Energy Transfers in the Spinal Engine
Gracovetsky S, Iacono S.
Journal of Biomedical Engineering
9 : 99-114, 1987a.
Abstract
Locomotion is generally perceived as being the function of the legs. The
trunk is considered to be carried along in a more or less passive way. This popular
hypothesis appears to have been accepted with little substantiation. In light of the
numerous observations contradicting this view, we have proposed an alternative hypothesis
in which the spine and its surrounding tissues comprise the basic engine of locomotion.
This theory is consistent with available experimental data which suggest that the motion
of the spine precedes that of the legs. Indeed, the variations in the power delivered to
the pelvis by the spine are strikingly similar to, but slightly ahead of, the variation in
power at the hip.
