Article

Dynamic imbalance caused by external perturbations to gait can successfully be
counteracted by adequate recovery responses. The current study investigated how
the recovery response is moderated by age, walking speed, muscle strength and
speed of information processing. The gait pattern of 50 young and 45 elderly
subjects was repeatedly perturbed at 20% and 80% of the first half of the swing
phase using the Timed Rapid impact Perturbation (TRiP) set-up. Recovery responses
were identified using 2D cameras. Muscular factors (dynamometer) and speed of
information processing parameters (computer-based reaction time task) were
determined. The stronger, faster reacting and faster walking young subjects
recovered more often by an elevating strategy than elderly subjects. Twenty three
per cent of the differences in recovery responses were explained by a combination
of walking speed (B=-13.85), reaction time (B=-0.82), maximum extension strength
(B=0.01) and rate of extension moment development (B=0.19). The recovery response
that subjects employed when gait was perturbed by the TRiP set-up was modified by
several factors; the individual contribution of walking speed, muscle strength
and speed of information processing was small. Insight into remaining modifying
factors is needed to assist and optimise fall prevention programmes.
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Langue : ANGLAIS