Mechanically Assisted Natural Kinematics (MANK) System

Abstract

Joint stress and pain coupled with the exhaustion that many associate with running is a major deterrent to the mode of transportation among people in all categories of society. Many shoes today have one way or another to soften the impact of running and even claim to return some efficiency in the process, but the added weight or lack of focused intention in these designs prove many of the systems to be a gimmick.

Ultimately, my design will harness and redirect existing forces in human locomotion that are typically dissipated during impact absorption through the joints, as well as assist the user in practicing efficient and proper running gait. This system would be tunable and ideal for athletes, military, the casual runner, the elderly, or every day walkers.