Step length and width variability while walking on a motion simulator mounted treadmill.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Perturbation devices for studying walking are common.
• Postural adaptations to walking perturbations require further quantification.
• Step length and width variability are key metrics for assessing postural responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify step length and width variability under various perturbation conditions.
• To investigate the effects of different perturbation directions (roll, pitch, yaw, anteroposterior, lateral, combined) on gait parameters.
• To assess the utility of treadmill perturbations for evaluating dynamic balance.

Main Methods:

• Subjects walked on a treadmill under sinusoidal perturbations of varying amplitudes.
• Motion analysis was used to quantify step kinematics, specifically step length and width.
• Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant changes in variability.

Main Results:

• Step length variability significantly changed in Pitch, mediolateral, and anteroposterior directions.
• Step width variability showed significant changes in combined Roll-Pitch-Yaw, Roll, and Yaw directions.
• Sinusoidal perturbations effectively disrupted normal postural control during walking.

Conclusions:

• Treadmill-based sinusoidal perturbations are effective in challenging postural control.
• Quantified changes in step variability provide insights into postural adaptations.
• These perturbed walking conditions show promise for developing and improving dynamic balance rehabilitation programs.