Benefits of Walking with Slightly Bent Knees 🦵

Source: @arianefelho
PMID: 10998612

Walking with the knees slightly bent—about 5 to 15 degrees—helps to reduce stress on the spine and lower joints by improving the body’s shock absorption. When the knees are gently flexed rather than locked straight, each step allows the muscles of the legs and hips to absorb more of the impact from walking. This reduces the amount of force transmitted upward through the spine, hips, and pelvis, helping to protect these structures from wear and tear over time.
A slight bend in the knees also promotes better posture and balance, keeping the body’s center of gravity more stable and preventing excessive strain on the lower back. In contrast, walking with straight or locked knees can increase spinal compression and joint impact, especially on hard surfaces. Therefore, maintaining a small, natural bend in the knees supports a smoother gait, distributes pressure more evenly, and helps protect the spine and joints from long-term mechanical stress.

#knees #walking #eds