Final answer:
Changing and improving one's walking or running form is primarily done to prevent injuries. Good running/walking form is important as it allows muscles and joints to efficiently absorb the pressure exerted during the activity, reducing injury risk. It also enhances performance and energy efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary reason for exploring and possibly changing walking/running form is primarily to prevent injuries. Why so? Running or walking puts a significant amount of pressure and force on the foot, up to 2.5 times your body weight. Proper form allows the bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles of your foot to efficiently absorb this pressure, which can significantly reduce the risk of harm to lower limbs and body.
Improper form during running or walking can exacerbate fatigue, reduce speed and impair endurance, but it also substantially increases the risk of injury, especially if the activity is conducted for a prolong duration or is done regularly. Injuries that could be prevented vary from minor issues like blisters to more serious complications like shin splints or stress fractures.
The evolution of our bipedal form was driven by natural selection. Good form enhances performance and helps ensure that energy is used efficiently while running or walking. Improving form not only makes a person faster or more enduring but also promotes better cardiovascular health by improving the utilization of oxygen and promoting more appropriate metabolism within our muscles.
Learn more about Running Form