Biomechanics of lateral movements

Abstract

Lateral displacements are part of the so-called unusual patterns of human locomotion, a motor activity of great interest for the sciences of human performance, rehabilitation, engineering, and biomechanics. Sagittal plane displacements, abundantly studied, present mechanical and energetic differences, but also very similar muscular structures and synergies. The mechanical, energetic behavior and muscular synergies of lateral displacements in humans, on the other hand, are less well known. Studies that incorporate mechanical work, energy cost and muscular synergies simultaneously, would be of great contribution to give an integral answer to this modality of human locomotion. Given the identification of the absence, through a previous systematic review, of approaches that simultaneously incorporate these variables, this article aims to present an argumentative review of the literature, focusing on the mechanical and energetic aspects and the mechanical models of lateral displacements as part of non-habitual patterns of human locomotion. A better understanding of the determinants and mechanical models of lateral displacements is relevant to generate advances in their application in areas such as clinical rehabilitation, injury prevention, robotics, expenditure activities and performance in different sports, among others.