As the foot module makes contact with the ground, the angle on the carbon-fiber blade absorbs 97 percent of the impact, storing the energy to launch Pistorius forward — the higher the speed, the more force in the blade.
Pistorius’ gluteus maximus and quadriceps muscles provide nearly all of his locomotion. Curves and tapering on the underside of the prosthetic move energy to the “toe,” where it’s stored for the cycle.
When Pistorius pushes off, the toe releases all that energy like a spring. Without feet or calves to help, the hamstrings, glutes, and quads have to work two to three times harder for the same speed.
The Achilles tendon performs a function similar to the Cheetah, absorbing the shock of impact and storing the energy in order to push the runner forward when the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle fires.
In addition to juice provided by the gluteus maximus and quadriceps, the able-bodied runner’s gastrocnemius muscle begins to fire, loading the Achilles with more energy.
The gastrocnemius, working with the gluteus maximus and quadriceps, fires to accelerate the runner into the next stride. The Achilles tendon releases 100 percent of the energy generated by the body. — Angela Watercutter
Illustration by Bryan Christie
Blade Runner
Fast Track
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