A kinetic analysis to poweriser (an energy storage and return spring leaf device)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the efficiency of an Energy Storage and Return (ESAR) spring leaf walking device (Poweriser) during the walking. The result showed that the walking efficiency of poweriser was around 80% contrast to a normal walk during the mid-stance phase. In the meanwhile, the muscle activation mainly occurred in thigh muscle probably resulted from the ankle lock design of poweriser. On the other hand, the study also found that all the participants demonstrated a similar VGRF pattern and relative lower muscle loading on shank muscle during the continuous vertical jump with the poweriser. The present investigators doubted that the efficiency and performance of poweriser was influenced by the stiffness of leaf spring, the type of motion, and participant’s body mass.