Balance Recovery During Walking with Upper-Body Perturbations
Author Information
Author(s): Mohseni Omid, Mahmoudi Asghar, Firouzi Vahid, Seyfarth Andre, Vallery Heike, A. Sharbafi Maziar
Primary Institution: Technische Universität Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany
Hypothesis
How do able-bodied individuals recover from whole-body angular momentum perturbations during walking?
Conclusion
The study found that recovery from angular momentum perturbations occurs quickly, primarily through hip strategy and foot placement.
Supporting Evidence
- The study utilized a portable Angular Momentum Perturbator to induce controlled perturbations.
- Participants showed significant changes in hip torque and foot placement in response to perturbations.
- Recovery from perturbations was observed to occur within the same stride.
Takeaway
When people walk and get pushed, they quickly adjust their hips and where they place their feet to stay balanced.
Methodology
Ten participants were subjected to upper-body perturbations using a portable Angular Momentum Perturbator during walking, and their balance recovery strategies were analyzed.
Limitations
The weight of the perturbation device may impose physiological strain, potentially affecting normal walking biomechanics.
Participant Demographics
Ten able-bodied adults (nine male, one female) with a mean age of 34.1 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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