Jakarta –
Sandals or not, walking on beach sand won’t be as fast as walking on land. Why, huh?
Biomechanics researcher Paola Zamparo explained that feet seem to sink into the sand with every step on the beach because of the low density of sand.
The density of sand underfoot causes humans to expend 2.1-2.7 times more energy on each step than on ordinary streets at the same speed, according to research by Thierry M Lejeune.
The research by a professor at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of UC de Louvain, Belgium and his colleagues was published in the Journal of Experimental Biology.
Irregular Support Platform
The unevenness of the beach and dunes also makes it difficult for people to walk on the sand.
“On the sand, the foundation is also irregular, and to move on irregular terrain requires additional energy,” said Zamparo, quoted from Live Science.
Researcher Barbara Grant from the University of Liverpool explains, because of difficulties, the human body automatically adjusts to walking style. The foot and ankle muscles also actively contract so that the footsteps can be balanced.
This biomechanical researcher underlined, leg muscle contractions also occur when people climb a trail with lots of rocks and roots. Even if you can walk at a normal pace, people will feel tired more quickly than when walking on sidewalks.
Research by Grant et al in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface shows that people who walk on less dense surfaces such as sand, mud and snow take longer strides. The movement is also greater in the hips and knees so it consumes more energy.
Running on Sand Is More Effective
On the other hand, Lejeune’s research found running on sand only required about 1.6 times more energy than running on a flat, stable surface at the same speed.
However, running or fast steps in the sand still uses up more energy than walking on the sand. The energy required is greater due to 2 factors, namely the mechanical work done on the sand and the decreased efficiency of the positive work done by the muscles and tendons.
Walk on Wet Sand Easier
Zamparo explained, when the sand is wet, its density increases. As a result, the impact on the feet is also similar to walking on a solid road.
Because of this, people will find it easier to walk along the shoreline which is wet with waves. Keep in mind, if there is too much wave water, the sand will also not be solid.
Grant suggested, the larger surface area of the sandals can help the feet not sink in the sand and make walking difficult. If you are barefoot, try to land on your feet more flat or not on your tiptoes.
Exercising on the Sand Has Benefits, but More Difficult
Zamparo explained, the impact of the sand surface on the running legs would be lighter than the solid ground or road surface.
He explained, research shows that walking or running on sand is indeed more difficult, but it is easier for muscles and joints than asphalt roads and solid ground.
Because of this, professional athletes who are rehabilitating after injuries such as NBA athlete Russell Westbrook also train on the sand in their sports series.
Meanwhile, Grant underlined, there is a greater risk of falling if you exercise on sand because of its unstable density. Be careful walking and running in the sand, ok!
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