Final answer:
Shapiro's research suggests that walking and running sometimes used the same General Motor Program (GMP), which accounts for shared patterns or fundamentals in these movements, especially when considering the variability in running speeds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research by Shapiro (1981) investigated the motor patterns of walking and running, specifically looking into whether both activities utilized the same General Motor Program (GMP). By considering motion in various scenarios, such as simple movements in one direction or more complex activities, the study addressed the mechanics of movement. In the context of speed, examining the data that 40 percent of runners ran at speeds of 7.5 miles per hour or less (slower) while 60 percent ran at speeds of 7.5 miles per hour or more (faster), it becomes important to consider these factors. Considering the variability in speeds and the complexity of human motion, it is most accurate to conclude that walking and running sometimes used the same GMP. Each activity can involve different dynamics and muscle activations, particularly at varying speeds, but there may be some shared patterns or fundamentals.