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Walking strategies during the transition between level and hill surfaces
Jinger S Gottschall1, Dmitri Y Okorokov, Noriaki Okita
1Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
Journal of Applied Biomechanics
|September 8, 2011
Summary
Healthy young adults adopt a distinct gait strategy during walking transitions between level and hill surfaces. This involves widening the base of support to maintain dynamic balance.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human locomotion
- Gait analysis
Background:
- Walking surface transitions can challenge dynamic balance.
- Anterior-posterior and medial-lateral balance may be compromised during inclines.
- Understanding gait modifications during transitions is crucial for fall prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze temporal-spatial gait parameters during transitions between level and hill walking surfaces.
- To investigate if a distinct gait strategy is adopted during these transitions.
- To test the hypothesis that a wider base of support is used during transition strides.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-four healthy young adults participated in the study.
- Participants walked on a level surface and a 15-degree portable ramp.
- Data were collected during four transition strides between the level and ramp surfaces.
Main Results:
- A significantly wider base of support was observed during three out of four transition strides compared to level walking.
- This suggests a specific gait adaptation strategy during surface transitions.
- The findings support the hypothesis of a distinct gait strategy during transitions.
Conclusions:
- Healthy young adults modify their gait during transitions between level and hill surfaces.
- A wider base of support is a key component of this transition gait strategy.
- These adaptations are important for maintaining dynamic balance during changes in walking terrain.
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