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Using a Split-belt Treadmill to Evaluate Generalization of Human Locomotor Adaptation
Published on: August 23, 2017
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Associations between asymmetry and reactive balance control during split-belt walking
Tara Cornwell1, Ryan Novotny2, James M Finley3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Journal of Biomechanics
|July 7, 2024
Summary
Adaptive walking on split-belt treadmills reduces step length asymmetry (SLA), potentially improving forward balance but risking sideways instability. This study investigated how SLA changes impact reactive balance control during walking perturbations.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Motor Control
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Split-belt treadmill walking induces adaptive changes in step length asymmetry (SLA).
- The role of instability reduction in driving these adaptations is debated.
- The impact of SLA changes on reactive balance control remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if altered step length asymmetry (SLA) affects reactive balance control.
- To determine the relationship between SLA and whole-body angular momentum (WBAM) during perturbations.
- To examine how foot placement adjustments during split-belt walking influence balance.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen older adults walked on a split-belt treadmill with a 2:1 speed ratio.
- Intermittent perturbations were applied to assess reactive balance.
- Mixed-effects models analyzed associations between SLA, foot placement, and WBAM.
Main Results:
- Increased SLA was linked to reduced forward WBAM but increased lateral WBAM during perturbations.
- Shortened foot placement with increased SLA further reduced forward WBAM but increased lateral WBAM.
- These findings highlight a trade-off between sagittal and frontal plane stability.
Conclusions:
- Spatiotemporal adaptations during split-belt walking may enhance sagittal plane stability.
- These adaptations might compromise frontal plane stability.
- Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for gait rehabilitation and fall prevention strategies.
