Article

It is important to understand how people adapt their gait when walking in
real-world conditions with variable surface characteristics. This study
quantified lower-extremity joint kinematics, estimated whole body center of mass
height (COM(VT)), and minimum toe clearance (MTC) while 15 healthy, young
subjects walked on level ground (LG) and a destabilizing loose rock surface (RS)
at four controlled speeds. There were no significant differences in average step
parameters (length, time, or width) between the walking surfaces. However, the
variability of these parameters increased twofold on the RS compared to LG. When
walking on the RS, subjects contacted the surface with a flatter foot and
increased knee and hip flexion, which enabled them to lower COM(VT). Subjects
exhibited increased hip and knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion during swing on
the RS. These changes contributed to a 3.8 times greater MTC on the RS compared
to LG. Peak hip and knee flexion during early stance and swing increased with
walking speed, contributing to decreased COM(VT) and increased MTC. Overall,
subjects systematically adapted their movement kinematics to overcome the
challenge imposed by the destabilizing loose rock surface.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS