The theory on ‘gravity-driven horizontal locomotion’ is flawed; a commentary on ‘Gravity-driven horizontal locomotion: theory and experiment’ by Kanstad & Kononoff (2015)

Abstract

In a recent paper, Kanstad & Kononoff ( Proc. R. Soc. A 471 , 20150287. ( doi:10.1098/rspa.2015.0287 )) presented a theoretical analysis of the mechanical energetics of a particular style of human walking and running. According to their analysis, the force of gravity provides energy when this style of horizontal walking/running is adopted. Furthermore, Kanstad & Kononoff suggested that uphill walking at zero energy cost is possible when the suggested style of walking is adopted. In this commentary, we argue that these claims violate the basic laws of thermodynamics, and are based on erroneous application of the basic laws of classical mechanics.