The road to getting fit is a slow and continuous journey. I’ve kept up with my daily exercises and have taken a strong interest in following sport science. An interesting development conceptualizes pushing humans beyond current speed barriers. Spring loaded attachments would transform a runners energy output and almost put runners in a suspended state while the device would output the mechanical load on the ground. A mention of propelling Usain Bolt’s top speed to around 50mph is no slouch and it seems scientists really want to put a spring into someone’s step. Travelling via our own energy has been seen all over. Biking, skating and everything else that seeks to amplify human output are fast becoming new means of travel.
//Air Time//
Researchers are aiming to merge biomechanical studies of running with the mechanics of cycling to maximise air time. I’ve read this in multiple studies, running with proper form involves moments of total air time. Gravity does its work to bring a runner back to the ground and the forwards momentum continues. Spring based systems would allow this air period to be used to further work and build up greater energy as they make contact in the ground. This area of research has much potential to explode into a new form of sport and beyond that, a new way of travel.
//Bionic Beginning//
It sounds almost like a science fiction film from the last century, where the year is 2020 and bionic body allows us to move gargantuan weights and can run at blisteringly rapid speeds. It remains to be seen how the prototype develops and whether runners are truly able to adapt. If travelling at even 30mph on foot using these exoskeleton springs becomes possible for the average person, will society start zooming around with a spring in their step? Segways were an interesting trend, I wouldn’t have imagined seeing my colleagues ride in on one but it happened. It does make me wonder when I will be greeting a comrade as they arrive in good time using their bionic running abilities. Safety is the other concern that I would like to see explored along with its applications in distance running and perhaps even weight loss or strengthening programmes. Those who are too heavy to run to start developing a healthy heart may benefit from a spring loaded assistance. Could the system also provide a way for those who have issue with mobility to move freely? Moving faster is great and I would love to see focus on helping the masses do more with their bodies.
