Title: Speed, asymmetry and muscle coordination during walking

Abstract: Slow walking speed and asymmetric movement patterns are commonly observed in individuals with gait impairments and reflect an underlying alteration in muscle coordination compared to healthy adults walking at self-selected speeds.  Modeling and simulation of the musculoskeletal system provides a platform for studying the cause-effect relationship between muscles and observed movement patterns.  Results from experimental and simulation studies designed to investigate the effect of walking speed on kinematics, kinetics, energetics and muscle coordination and the implications for individuals with post-stroke hemiparetic gait will be discussed.