Lower-limb inter-joint coordination during balance recovery after trips

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Trips are a common cause of accidental falls.
• Understanding postural control during balance recovery is key to preventing falls.
• Investigating biomechanical factors can reveal causes of trip-induced falls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine lower-limb inter-joint coordination during balance recovery after trips.
• To identify kinematic strategies for successful balance recovery.

Main Methods:

• 123 volunteers were unexpectedly tripped while walking.
• Lower-limb inter-joint coordination was quantified using continuous relative phase measures (MARP and DP).
• Coordination was analyzed during the first recovery step post-trip.

Main Results:

• Successful balance recovery showed smaller MARP (mean of the absolute relative phases) and DP (deviation phase) in knee-ankle coordination on the swing side.
• Stance limb inter-joint coordination did not differ significantly between successful and unsuccessful recovery.
• Distal joint control of the swing limb is critical for regaining balance.

Conclusions:

• Greater in-phase coordination and reduced variability in swing limb distal joints are potential targets for fall prevention interventions.
• Focusing on swing limb distal joint control can help prevent trip-induced falls.