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Self-selected movement patterns during lateral locomotion with body weight support
Kenji Masumoto1, Matthew Heninger2, Natalia Pravica2
1Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
Human Movement Science
|September 30, 2025
Summary
This study found that individuals self-selected similar lower body muscle activity and perceived exertion during lateral and forward locomotion, regardless of body weight support (BWS) levels. Locomotion speed and stride frequency were adjusted to maintain these similarities.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Understanding locomotion mechanics is crucial for rehabilitation and performance.
- Investigating the effects of altered body weight support (BWS) on movement is important for developing effective training strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine metabolic cost, muscle activity, and perceptual responses during lateral and forward locomotion.
- To compare these responses across different BWS levels (0%, 20%, 50%) at preferred speeds.
Main Methods:
- Twelve participants underwent lateral and forward locomotion trials on a lower body positive pressure treadmill.
- Measurements included oxygen uptake, muscle activity (EMG), stride frequency, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and feeling scale.
Main Results:
- Oxygen uptake showed a significant interaction between BWS and locomotion direction.
- Higher BWS (50%) resulted in lower muscle activity, stride frequency, and RPE compared to moderate BWS (20%).
- Lateral locomotion exhibited lower preferred speed and rectus femoris activity but higher stride frequency compared to forward locomotion.
Conclusions:
- Individuals self-regulate locomotion speed and stride frequency to achieve similar muscle activity and perceptual responses between lateral and forward movements.
- BWS influences metabolic cost and perceived exertion, with higher support levels reducing these factors.
- These findings have implications for designing BWS-assisted training and rehabilitation programs.
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