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Locomotor patterns change over time during walking on an uneven surface
Jenny A Kent1, Joel H Sommerfeld2, Mukul Mukherjee2
1Division of Biomechanics and Research Development, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6160 University Drive, Omaha, NE 68182-0860, USA jkent@unomaha.edu.
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|June 30, 2019
Summary
Walking on uneven terrain initially causes cautious adjustments in balance and gait. With familiarization, movement refines, reducing conservative strategies while allowing more dynamic balance control.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Locomotion
- Motor Control
Background:
- Uneven surfaces challenge balance and forward progression during walking.
- The adaptability of locomotor control to unpredictable terrain is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of uneven terrain on whole-body locomotor dynamics.
- To examine immediate and familiarization-period responses to uneven surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Eleven healthy adults walked on flat and uneven treadmills for 12 minutes.
- Whole-body center of mass excursion (COMexc) and velocity (COMvel), step length, and step width were measured.
- Locomotor dynamics and variability were analyzed immediately after exposure and after familiarization.
Main Results:
- Initial exposure to uneven terrain increased medial-lateral COMexc, lateral COMvel, and variability in COMexc, COMvel, and foot placement.
- Gait adjustments included increased step width and decreased step length for immediate stability.
- Familiarization led to longer steps, reduced step width, and decreased variability in some parameters, indicating movement refinement.
- However, medial-lateral COMexc and lateral COMvel variability increased, suggesting released constraints.
- A consistent relationship between step width and medial-lateral COM movement was maintained.
Conclusions:
- Locomotor strategies adapt to uneven terrain, evolving with prolonged exposure.
- Initial cautious adjustments are replaced by refined, more dynamic control over time.
- The nervous system balances stability with adaptability when navigating complex surfaces.
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