Kinematics of the Swing of the Leg

Abstract

Among the movements carried out by the different segments of the human body during walking, none has aroused such controversy as the swinging of the leg. Weber and Weber claimed that this movement was purely that of a pendulum and resulted solely from gravity. The controversy has continued ever since. There are opponents and supporters of the Webers’¹ theory. Both have tried to provide the empirical bases to sustain their point of view. But no unequivocal confirmation or refutation of the Webers’ theory has yet been brought forwards. The question thus remains open.