Treadle

For instance, in a treadle loom, the reciprocating motion is used directly to lift and lower the harnesses or heddles; a common treadle pump uses the reciprocating motion to raise and lower pistons.

A human-powered machine gives the human operator close, instinctive control over the rate at which energy is fed into the machine; this lets them easily vary the rate at which they work.

A treadle is operated by pressing down on it repeatedly with one or both feet, causing a rocking motion.

[1] This movement can then be stored as rotational motion via a crankshaft driving a flywheel.

Today the use of treadle-powered machines is common in areas of the developing world where other forms of power are unavailable.