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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
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Using a Split-belt Treadmill to Evaluate Generalization of Human Locomotor Adaptation
Published on: August 23, 2017
Stability and variability of acoustically specified coordination patterns while walking side-by-side on a treadmill:
Niek R van Ulzen1, Claudine J C Lamoth, Andreas Daffertshofer
1Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7-9, 1081 BT Amsterdam, Netherlands. Nvanulzen@fbw.vu.nl
Neuroscience Letters
|March 16, 2010
Summary
The Haken-Kelso-Bunz model for rhythmic coordination does not fully apply to interpersonal treadmill walking. Researchers found that while some predictions held, the model did not robustly explain side-by-side walking coordination.
Area of Science:
- Human movement science
- Dynamical systems theory
- Biophysics
Background:
- The Haken-Kelso-Bunz model is a key framework for understanding rhythmic interlimb coordination.
- Its applicability to interpersonal coordination, especially in complex activities like walking, remains an open question.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the Haken-Kelso-Bunz model's predictions for interpersonal coordination during side-by-side treadmill walking.
- To investigate how pairs of individuals synchronize their stepping movements at various relative phases.
Main Methods:
- Six pairs of participants walked side-by-side on treadmills.
- Auditory metronomes set prescribed relative phases (0-180 degrees) for left heel strikes.
- Participants maintained synchronization for 2 minutes, followed by 1 minute of continued walking.
Main Results:
- Only one of the three hypotheses derived from the Haken-Kelso-Bunz model was confirmed.
- Minimal variability in in-phase and anti-phase coordination was not consistently observed.
- Intermediate relative phases did not consistently attract to in- or anti-phase.
Conclusions:
- The Haken-Kelso-Bunz model does not appear to generically or robustly apply to interpersonal coordination during treadmill walking.
- Further research is needed to understand the dynamics of coupled human locomotion.
