Curvilinear walking elevates fall risk and modulates slip and compensatory step attributes after unconstrained human...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human locomotion
• Fall prevention

Background:

• Slip-related falls are a significant concern, yet research on curvilinear walking paths remains limited.
• Curvilinear paths present unique biomechanical challenges and a heightened risk of slipping compared to straight-line walking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biomechanics, compensatory stepping, and fall risk associated with slips during fixed-speed curvilinear walking.
• To examine speed-independent effects of path curvature on slip dynamics and balance recovery.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one participants experienced unconstrained slips induced by a wearable friction-reducing device.
• Motion capture and harness load cell data were collected to analyze slip mechanics and forces.

Main Results:

• Falls were most probable with early stance slips to the inside foot, with risk escalating on tighter curves.
• Slip distance and peak velocity reduced with later stance onset but accelerated on tighter paths.
• Compensatory steps were anterior and ipsilateral for outside and inside foot slips, respectively, with longer steps for outside foot slips at later onset phases.

Conclusions:

• Slip direction influences balance threat, and walking speed may affect slip likelihood.
• Tighter curvatures and specific slip timings/directions pose the greatest destabilization.
• Findings can inform targeted balance training for curved walking scenarios.