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Related Experiment Videos

Anticipatory locomotor adjustments for accommodating versus avoiding level changes in humans

B J McFadyen1, H Carnahan

  • 1Département de Physiothérapie, Faculté de Médicine, Université Laval,Québec, Canada. brad.mcfadyen@pht.ulaval.ca

Experimental Brain Research
|May 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

Humans adapt locomotion for obstacles and level changes using distinct strategies. Obstacles trigger knee adjustments, while level changes enhance hip movements, with combined challenges utilizing both.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Human Locomotion
  • Motor Control

Background:

  • Locomotion control involves pattern generation, equilibrium, and environmental adaptation.
  • Anticipatory locomotor adjustments, particularly for adaptation, are less understood.
  • Previous studies explored human and feline anticipatory locomotor adjustments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in anticipatory locomotor adjustments for obstacle avoidance versus level changes.
  • To compare muscle torques and power generation/absorption at lower limb joints across various walking conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Six subjects walked in six environments: unobstructed, obstacle only, platform, stairs, obstacle with platform, and obstacle with stairs.
  • Full dynamic analyses were performed to compare joint torques and power.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Muscle torques and power generated/absorbed at lower limb joints were analyzed.

    • Main Results:

    • A robust lower limb reorganization with a knee flexor generation strategy was maintained when an obstacle was present.
    • Pure level changes augmented the existing hip strategy of normal walking.
    • Combined obstructed level changes involved increased hip flexor power and active knee flexion.

    Conclusions:

    • Locomotor adaptation strategies differ based on environmental challenges (obstacles vs. level changes).
    • The body employs distinct, yet combinable, strategies to manage complex locomotor tasks.
    • Results highlight principles of mechanical coordination and intersegmental dynamics in foot transport.