research overview
- Dr. Kram’s research focuses on the biomechanics and energetics of human locomotion. He is best known for co-developing the “force hypothesis” which after 25 years, still remains the most accepted explanation for the energetic cost of running. Dr. Kram has more recently dissected the metabolic cost of walking and running into its components: the cost of supporting body weight against gravitational forces, the work needed to accelerate the body forward against inertial forces, the cost of leg swing and the cost of maintaining balance. His recent efforts have focused on the locomotion of people who are obese, elderly, or have leg amputations. Dr. Kram has demonstrated mechanical creativity with his designs for the first successful force measuring treadmills and various laboratory devices that unload the need for specific muscle groups to perform work and generate force.
