Asymmetric interlimb role-sharing in mechanical power during human sideways locomotion

Sideways movement at a wide variety of speeds is required in daily life and sports. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of asymmetry in power output between lower limbs during sideways gait patterns. Seven healthy men performed steady-state sideways locomotion at various speeds. The mechanical external power of each limb was calculated and decomposed to the lateral and vertical components by the center of mass velocity and ground reaction force. We acquired data from 126 steps of sideways walking at 0.44-1.21 m/s, and from 41 steps of sideways galloping at 1.04-3.00 m/s. The results showed asymmetric power production between the limbs during sideways locomotion. During sideways walking, the trailing limb predominantly produced positive external power and the leading limb produced predominantly negative external power, and these amplitudes increased with step speed. In contrast, during sideways galloping, negative and subsequent positive power production was observed in both limbs. These differences in asymmetric interlimb role-sharing were mainly due to the vertical component. During sideways galloping, the trailing limb absorbs vertical power produced by the leading limb due to the longer flight time. This characteristic of vertical power production in the trailing limb may explain the presence of a double-support phase, which is not observed during forward running, even at high speeds. Our results will help to elucidate the asymmetric movements of the limbs in lateral directions at various speeds.