[Solatar]

So it's more of a waddle?

[mikhael]

No, its more of a run. You can simulated this by putting on a pair of skiboots and running. You have to lift your knees higher mainly.

[aldo_14]

Originally posted by mikhael


you can run without toes. You just don't get that maximum impetus for the second lever arm (lower leg to foot AND foot to toe).

(i know thisreply  isn't directly in response to the above...)

I think running prosthetics are designed to bend to imitate that, though.  I'm not sure how physically close it is (probably hard to judge compared to fully-bodied sprinters because there will be psychological differences when the brains figuring out how to run, so you wouldn't expect the same speed anyways).

I have to admit not watching the paralympics recently, but I'm pretty sure that the running motion for the sprinters, etc, is pretty close to fully-bodied.

The whole toes thing.... I think it's not so much about having something to do the physical work of toes, as it is about having 5 of these small, vulnerable digits.  Albeit I'm not sure how useful it is to have seperate digits for toes in general (i.e. like balancing on rough ground).... I never remember doing anything specifically by moving individual toes playing football, at least.

Although that's maybe going a bit deep into the subject of feet.....

[Solatar]

Well, when I sprint for track I don't even use the heels of my feet. My sprinting spikes don't even have much on the heel, just spikes on the ball and toe area.

[aldo_14]

Longer distance running uses the balls of the feet more, doesn't it?  I was never an accomplished runner, myself, so I dunno.
( Fast left winger, but that's really a different kind of running.)

[Solatar]

Long distance uses the entire foot. They land on the heel and roll the foot until they can push off with their toes.

[aldo_14]

Figured as much

[NGTM-1R]

I continue to believe in Intelligent Practical Jokester/Sadist Design.

[EtherShock]

I always thought we had toes for grabbing things, though this can prove to be rather difficult for most. I try it, it beats bending down sometimes. I also heard they're used for balance. Hmm, apparently they actually were used for grabbing long ago, interesting. They're also useful for playing footsies. ^_^

I would think anyone with a prosthetic leg would need to learn how to properly balance themselves because of the lack of toes, at least until prosthetics are so advanced they compensate for this with prosthetic toes on the legs.

[Solatar]

The thing about prosthetic legs that I'd have trouble getting used to would probably be the lack of calf muscles.

[Charismatic]

Originally posted by Solatar
So it's more of a waddle?

LOL!:nod: