Constraining the arms during a slip perturbation results in a higher fall frequency in young adults

Slip and fall incidents are a major health concern. Although studies have reported the mechanical benefits of upper extremity responses during a slip to regain balance, it is not currently known if reactive arm motions aid in the recovery of a slip event. Sixty-four healthy young adults were randomized into 4 gait conditions: arms free, both arms constrained, contralateral arm to the slipping foot constrained and ipsilateral arm to the slipping foot constrained. While wearing a protective harness, participants traversed a 10-m walkway and were exposed to an unexpected slip. The group with their arms constrained exhibited a higher proportion of falls compared to the group with the arms free (62.5% vs 18.8%). In addition, individuals assigned to the contralateral arm constraint group exhibited a significantly higher proportion of falls compared to the group in which the ipsilateral arm was constrained (68.8% vs. 31.2%). Our findings suggest that arm motions aid in the recovery of balance during a slip perturbation. Motion of the arm contralateral to the slipping foot appears to be most important. Training upper extremity reactive responses training the arms may be a useful adjunct to fall prevention programs fall prevention.