It is often said that every time we take a step, we support approximately 2.5 times our body weight. This number may seem incredible, but it is actually based on solid scientific research. In this article, we’ll explore why we carry so much weight every time we take a step, and how it can affect our health.
To begin, it is important to understand that the weight we carry when walking is primarily due to gravitational force. When we stand, gravity pulls our body toward the center of the Earth. This means that every part of our body, including our muscles, bones, and joints, must support a portion of our body weight.
When we walk, the gravitational force combines with the ground reaction force to create a force called the ground reaction force. This force is equal and opposite to the force we exert on the ground when we walk. It is generated by the contact between our feet and the ground and is transmitted through our body to the head.
The amount of ground reaction force we generate depends on many factors, such as how fast we walk, what surface we walk on, and how we walk. In general, the faster we walk and the harder the surface, the greater the ground reaction force.
This is where the 2.5 times our body weight figure comes in. Studies have shown that the ground reaction force can be up to 2.5 times our body weight when we walk normally. This means that if you weigh 70 kilos, every time you walk you are supporting a force of 175 kilos, or 2.5 times your body weight.
This amount of force may seem like a lot, but our bodies are designed to handle it. Our bones, muscles, and joints are all adapted to support this load, and they even adapt to this load by becoming stronger as we walk regularly.
If we walk incorrectly and the causes can be multiple, this can increase the amount of stress our bones, muscles and joints have to endure. This can lead to complications and injuries, chronic pain, including foot, knee and back pain.
In conclusion, every time we walk we carry a significant amount of weight. This amount of weight is due to the ground reaction force, which is generated by the contact between our feet and the ground. Although our bodies are designed to handle this load, it is important to walk appropriately and take care of our health to avoid injury and chronic pain.
