Comparative Analysis of Joint Torques During the Swing Phase of Human Gait

This study compares the torque profiles of the hip, knee and ankle during the swing phase of gait in ten healthy subjects using a MATLAB Simscape biomechanical model. Anthropometric dimensions were measured with a caliper, joint ranges of motion were recorded with a goniometer, and segmental masses were estimated using the Ergonautas PSC tool. The model was configured with four quadrangular prisms representing the trunk, thigh, shank, and foot, each assigned its corresponding mass. Predefined joint trajectories were imposed as input, and inverse dynamics simulations were used to compute torque responses. Results showed notable variability between subjects, particularly at the hip and knee toward the end of the swing phase, while ankle torques remained relatively consistent. These findings demonstrate that anthropometric differences significantly influence joint kinetics and confirm the utility of MATLAB-based models for subject-specific gait evaluation.