Small directional treadmill perturbations induce differential gait stability adaptation
Jinfeng Li, Helen J. Huang
Abstract
Little is known about if and how humans can adapt to small magnitude perturbations experienced on a stride-by-stride basis during walking. Here, we show that even small perturbations disrupted gait stability and that subjects could still adapt their reactive balance control. Depending on the perturbation direction, subjects might prefer adjusting their foot placement over their center of mass and vice versa. These findings could help potentially tune balance training to target specific aspects of balance.
Topics & Concepts
GaitPhysical medicine and rehabilitationAdaptation (eye)TreadmillDifferential (mechanical device)Stability (learning theory)PsychologyComputer scienceNeuroscienceControl theory (sociology)Artificial intelligencePhysicsMedicinePhysical therapyMachine learningControl (management)ThermodynamicsBalance, Gait, and Falls PreventionCerebral Palsy and Movement DisordersEffects of Vibration on Health