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Influence of Treadmill Speed and Perturbation Intensity on Selection of Balancing Strategies during Slow Walking Perturbed in the Frontal Plane
Joint Authors
Matjačić, Zlatko
Zadravec, Matjaž
Olenšek, Andrej
Source
Applied Bionics and Biomechanics
Issue
Vol. 2019, Issue 2019 (31 Dec. 2019), pp.1-14, 14 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2019-06-02
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
14
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Common understanding is that adequate foot placement (stepping strategy) is crucial in maintaining stability during walking at normal speed.
The aim of this study was to investigate strategies that humans use to cope with lateral perturbations during very slow walking.
Methods.
Ten healthy individuals underwent an experimental protocol whereby a set of perturbations directed inward (medially to a stance leg) and outward (laterally to a stance leg) of three intensities (F1=5%, F2=10%, and F3=15% of body weight), applied at three instances of a stance phase, were delivered in random order to the pelvis using a balance assessment robot while walking on a treadmill at three walking speeds (S1=0.4, S2=0.6, and S3=0.8 m/s).
We analyzed the peak center of mass displacements; step length, step width, and step times; and the lateral component of ground reaction force for perturbations that were delivered at the beginning of the gait cycle.
Results.
Responses after inward perturbations were similar at all tested speeds and consistently employed stepping strategy that was further facilitated by a shortened stance.
Wider and shorter steps were applied with increased perturbation intensity.
Responses following outward perturbations were more complex.
At S1, hip strategy (impulse-like increase of mediolateral ground reaction force) augmented with ankle strategy (mediolateral shift of the center of pressure) mainly contributed to responses already during the stance phase.
The stance duration was significantly longer for all perturbation intensities.
At S2, the relative share of hip strategy was reduced while with increased perturbation intensity, stepping strategy was gradually added.
The stance duration was significantly longer for F1 and F2.
At S3, stepping strategy was mainly used while the duration of stance was similar to the one in unperturbed walking.
Responses following both inward and outward perturbations at all speeds were characterized by temporary slowing down movement in a sagittal plane that was more pronounced with increased perturbation intensity.
Conclusions.
This study provides novel insights into balancing strategies used at slower walking speeds which may be more relevant to understand the challenges of gait stability following perturbations in the frontal plane in clinical populations.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Matjačić, Zlatko& Zadravec, Matjaž& Olenšek, Andrej. 2019. Influence of Treadmill Speed and Perturbation Intensity on Selection of Balancing Strategies during Slow Walking Perturbed in the Frontal Plane. Applied Bionics and Biomechanics،Vol. 2019, no. 2019, pp.1-14.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1114558
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Matjačić, Zlatko…[et al.]. Influence of Treadmill Speed and Perturbation Intensity on Selection of Balancing Strategies during Slow Walking Perturbed in the Frontal Plane. Applied Bionics and Biomechanics No. 2019 (2019), pp.1-14.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1114558
American Medical Association (AMA)
Matjačić, Zlatko& Zadravec, Matjaž& Olenšek, Andrej. Influence of Treadmill Speed and Perturbation Intensity on Selection of Balancing Strategies during Slow Walking Perturbed in the Frontal Plane. Applied Bionics and Biomechanics. 2019. Vol. 2019, no. 2019, pp.1-14.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1114558
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1114558