Kinematic synergy of speed reduction during stair descent

Purpose: This study aimed to quantify multi-segmental coordination using Uncontrolled Manifold (UCM) analysis to examine the effect of speed reduction on the control of stair descent. Methods: Twenty healthy participants performed stair descent at a self-comfortable pace for normal speed conditions and at a slow speed set to a metronome rhythm of 60 beats/min. UCM analysis was separately conducted for the center of mass (COM) and swing foot, with anteroposterior and vertical movements designated as task variables, and segment angles defined as elemental variables. ΔV, the normalized difference between the variance in segment angle that does not affect task performance (VUCM) and the variance that does affect task performance (VORT) was calculated separately for the COM and swing foot and compared between normal and slow speeds. Results: The VORT for the COM and the swing foot in the anteroposterior direction were significantly lower at slow speeds than at normal speeds. The VORT of task-relevant segment angles affecting COM control in the vertical direction was significantly higher at slow speed compared to normal speed. Additionally, the ΔV in segment angle variance impacting swing foot control in the anteroposterior direction was significantly greater at slow speed than at normal speed. Conclusions: The findings suggest that descending stairs at reduced speed promotes enhanced coordination of lower limb segments for controlling the swing foot in the anteroposterior direction, while concurrently increasing segmental variability that destabilizes the vertical COM.