Trunk control during gait: Walking with wide and narrow step widths present distinct challenges.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Science
• Gait Analysis

Background:

• Trunk control is crucial for maintaining stability during walking.
• Varying step widths impose different biomechanical demands on the body.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how different step widths affect trunk control during gait.
• To examine the distinct effects of narrow versus wide step widths on trunk kinematics and muscle activation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a novel feedback system to control step width during treadmill walking.
• Employed motion capture for trunk kinematics and electromyography for muscle activity.
• Analyzed coordination between pelvis and thorax using vector coding.

Main Results:

• Trunk kinematics in all planes were influenced by step width variations.
• Wider steps increased transverse plane angular excursions; narrower steps increased frontal plane coordination challenges.
• Narrower steps led to increased longissimus muscle activation and co-activation.

Conclusions:

• Walking with varied step widths involves distinct control strategies, not a simple continuum.
• Narrowing and widening step width represent separate challenges for gait stability.
• Findings provide a basis for studying trunk control in diverse populations.