Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
06:21
Postural Organization of Gait Initiation for Biomechanical Analysis Using Force Platform Recordings
Published on: July 26, 2022
Dependence of anticipatory postural adjustments for step initiation on task movement features: a study based on
Laura Rocchi1, Martina Mancini, Lorenzo Chiari
1Dept. of Electronic, Computer Science and Systems, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. lrocchi@deis.unibo.it
Summary
Anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) for step initiation primarily depend on step velocity and secondarily on step length. Accelerometers reliably detect APA patterns, suggesting applications in motor performance monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Motor Control
- Wearable Technology
Background:
- Anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) are crucial for maintaining stability during voluntary movements like step initiation.
- Understanding the factors influencing APA is essential for assessing and improving motor control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how step velocity and step length affect anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) during step initiation.
- To evaluate the utility of accelerometric data in characterizing APA and its relationship with force platform measurements.
Main Methods:
- Collected dynamometric data using a force platform to measure center of pressure (CoP) displacement.
- Acquired accelerometric data from sensors on the lower legs and trunk to capture body segment accelerations.
- Analyzed antero-posterior CoP displacement and accelerations during step initiation.
Main Results:
- Peak backward center of pressure (CoP) excursion, representing APA magnitude, was primarily dependent on step velocity and secondarily on step length.
- Accelerometers revealed a consistent APA pattern, with stance leg backward acceleration mirroring CoP behavior in its dependence on velocity and step parameters.
- A reliable accelerometric pattern during APA was detected.
Conclusions:
- APA plays a significant role in controlling the initiation of steps.
- Portable and affordable accelerometric sensors show promise for monitoring motor performance in clinical, rehabilitative, and closed-loop applications.
