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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
08:04
Using a Split-belt Treadmill to Evaluate Generalization of Human Locomotor Adaptation
Published on: August 23, 2017
Characteristics of instructed and uninstructed interpersonal coordination while walking side-by-side
Niek R van Ulzen1, Claudine J C Lamoth, Andreas Daffertshofer
1Department of Social Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. NR.van.Ulzen@psy.vu.nl
Neuroscience Letters
|February 5, 2008
Summary
People walking together can synchronize leg movements in-phase or antiphase. This interpersonal coordination on a treadmill showed stability regardless of walking speed or individual stride preferences, challenging existing models.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Dynamical Systems Theory
Background:
- Human locomotion involves complex rhythmic coordination.
- Interpersonal coordination, particularly in gait, is less understood than intrapersonal coordination.
- Existing models of rhythmic coordination may not directly apply to coupled human movement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate interpersonal leg movement synchronization during treadmill walking.
- To compare the stability of in-phase and antiphase gait coordination between pairs.
- To determine the influence of walking speed and individual stride frequency on interpersonal coordination.
Main Methods:
- Pairs of individuals walked side-by-side on a treadmill.
- Participants were instructed to synchronize steps in-phase or antiphase, or received no instructions.
- Frequency and phase analysis were used to quantify coordination patterns.
Main Results:
- Instructed in-phase and antiphase coordination exhibited similar stability, independent of walking speed and individual stride frequency differences.
- Uninstructed pairs showed spontaneous episodes of frequency and phase locking.
- Coordination stability was consistent across different conditions and individual preferences.
Conclusions:
- The Haken-Kelso-Bunz model does not straightforwardly explain interpersonal gait coordination.
- Relaxing parameter constraints within the Haken-Kelso-Bunz model may allow it to account for observed interpersonal dynamics.
- Human gait coordination exhibits robust interpersonal synchronization patterns.
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