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Postural dynamics of walking in humans.
J F Yang1, D A Winter, R P Wells
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Biological Cybernetics
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Human postural control during walking relies on rapid responses within 80 ms to correct for disturbances. Strategies effective during standing can be adapted for walking, but require modifications due to changing dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Locomotion
- Postural Control
Background:
- Understanding postural control is crucial for human bipedal locomotion.
- Investigating how the body maintains balance against external disturbances during walking is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model and experimentally investigate the dynamics of postural control during human bipedal locomotion.
- To identify effective joint torque strategies for correcting impulsive force disturbances during walking.
Main Methods:
- Development of a planar, five-segment rigid body model with frictionless pin joints.
- Simulation of joint torque responses to impulsive force disturbances at various points in the walking cycle.
- Experimental testing of model predictions using electromyography (EMG) during walking with applied impulsive force disturbances.
Main Results:
- Early responses (within 80 ms) are effective in compensating for impulsive disturbances.
- Postural control strategies used in quiet standing can be adapted for certain phases of the walking cycle.
- Modifications to response strategies are necessary to account for altered dynamics throughout the stride cycle.
- The swing leg demonstrates limited effectiveness in short-term disturbance compensation during walking.
Conclusions:
- Rapid, early responses are key to maintaining postural stability during walking.
- Adaptable control strategies, with modifications, can manage disturbances across different phases of locomotion.
- The dynamics of bipedal locomotion necessitate phase-specific adjustments for effective postural control.