Monday, May 21, 2012

Quadrilocomotion

After the QM postures, we now turn to QM locomotion. As in bipedal locomotion, there are three main modes of displacement: walking, running and jumping. Although a single jump is a short and intense movement, as a series of horizontal jumps it becomes a remarkable mode of progression.

In QM, the movement is determined by the action of a single limb or of two limbs together: either arm and leg in diagonal, arm and leg on the same side, or as a "biped", i.e. both arms or legs together.

Walking consists in progressing by moving the limbs one or two at a time, while at least two of the limbs remain always in contact with the ground. The step as defined by the displacement of feet and hands separately or in relation to each other is the same when the walk is well coordinated.

Running consists in progressing by moving one or two limbs as in walking, but when running there is only one limb or biped in contact with the ground. There is no stable posture of the body between movements: running is really a series of small hops or jumps of regular amplitude.

Jumping consists in moving upward in the air either as a displacement or to go over a real obstacle, executed in length, in height or in depth. The jump up usually relies on the posterior limbs, while the landing uses the anterior limbs, sometimes both.

To these three principal modes we must add some secondary progressions in grouped or squatting posture, and a mode of progression with the body flat on the ground which deserves its own study: crawling.

QM locomotion can be executed in ventral, dorsal or lateral body posture, however the ventral posture is the most efficient and useful, thus the following descriptions will focus on the ventral posture.

It is of interest to note that human beings, once turned into quadrupeds, can use the modes of locomotion of various animals and even progress in dorsal or lateral posture, whereas the animals of a given species only practice the modes of progression they are naturally built for.

Although the quadrupedal locomotion is only an occasional mode of displacement compared to bipedal locomotion, it can be essential in practical situations (especially in defense and hiding against danger) as a short and fast move or as a long and slow one. It is necessary to practice its technique and build up the strength it requires to make it a natural ability. Finally, it is also an excellent exercise for developing the muscular system as a whole and increasing joint flexibility, yet another good reason to practice it.

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