Why do we (as humans) swing our arms when we walk (or most of us)?

Answer 1

Muscle activity controls the arm swing magnitude and timing during human locomotion. As we change our walking speed, our nervous systems adapt muscle activation patterns to modify arm swinging for the appropriate frequency. When we run, we use our upper limb muscles to swing our arms at a much faster rate than the arms’ natural frequency.

We (humans) swing our arms and legs contralaterally to couterbalance each other. As one hip moves forward, the shoulder above it tends to move backward as a postural reflex. The torso connects the two girdles, hip and shoulder.

Answer 2

Yes, it's about balance. Walking is sort of like a controlled fall. You sort of fall forward to one side and land on one foot and then the other. If you swing the opposite arm forward at the same time as the leg it helps your body stay more balanced over your center. That means that you don't have to lean your torso as much from side to side and you keep your center of gravity closer to the center of your body. You aren't 'falling' as quickly as you take each step.

Answer 3

Balance

Answer 4

this is an evolutionary view point from my biology text book. so if u dont believe in evolution, dont attack me >_<

the answer IS NOT balance. one will observe that the right arm only moves in conjunction with the left leg and the left arm only moves in conjunction with the right leg. this mode of movement is carried over from an ancestral vertebrate style of walking. for example lizards move in this way, alternating arms with legs. since the earliest reptiles and amphibians walked this way, this mode of movement only carried through during the rise of mammals, which are just another higher form of vertebrates. and the reason reptiles walked that way has to do with the way their muscles are used for movement and breathing.. yaddi yaddi yadda i wont go further unless someone wants to know, lol.

Answer 5

you are quite perceptive...good question! But I don't know the reason why we swing our arms either. I'd also like to know why we always swing our arms and walk with alternate sides of our legs (right arm with left leg, left arm with right leg).

Answer 6

'Balance' isn't exactly the right answer. It is more like 'torque' from walking.
If you ever want to see something funny, hang upside down and watch people walk. It makes them look like aliens.

Answer 7

That has a lot to do with the momentum that one builds up when we exert movement.. Could you imagine walking with your arms tied to your side? Not conducive to walking

Answer 8

comes from the metaphisical state we are all born with.comes from the fact we're all reproduced.bearer acccounterments (family,close relatives)can some how activate interests in DNA operating inside us (is like trying it out or what is it)

Answer 9

to feel that we r walking lol



to keep balance

Answer 10

It's for balance.