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Ground reaction force adaptations during cross-slope walking and running
Mohsen Damavandi1, Philippe C Dixon, David J Pearsall
1Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada H2W 1S4. mohsen.damavandi@mcgill.ca
Human Movement Science
|August 16, 2011
Summary
Locomotion on cross-sloped surfaces requires significant biomechanical adaptations. Ground reaction forces (GRF) in the mediolateral direction were substantially larger during cross-slope walking and running compared to level conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Locomotion
- Sports Science
Background:
- Transversely inclined (cross-sloped) surfaces are common in natural and athletic environments.
- Understanding the biomechanical demands of cross-slope locomotion is crucial for injury prevention and performance optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ground reaction forces (GRF) during walking and running on both level and cross-sloped surfaces.
- To identify specific biomechanical adaptations necessary for maintaining stability and progression on inclined terrain.
Main Methods:
- Nine healthy young adult males participated in the study.
- Participants walked and ran barefoot on an inclinable walkway set at 0° (level) and 10° (cross-slope).
- Ground reaction forces were measured using force plates, with data analyzed for magnitude and timing of force peaks across different conditions.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in GRF were observed across conditions, particularly in the mediolateral direction.
- Mediolateral GRF magnitudes were up to 390% larger in cross-slope walking and 530% larger in cross-slope running compared to level conditions.
- Anteroposterior forces showed altered timing during walking and magnitude changes during running, while normal forces differed in walking.
Conclusions:
- Cross-slope locomotion necessitates distinct functional adaptations compared to level walking and running.
- These adaptations are essential for maintaining forward progression and dynamic stability during stance phase on inclined surfaces.
