Feet kinematics upon slipping discriminate between recoveries and three types of slip-induced falls |
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Authors: | Leigh J Allin Maury A Nussbaum |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&2. M University, College Station, TX, USA;3. Grado Department of Industrial &4. Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA |
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Abstract: | This study investigated the relationship between feet kinematics upon slipping while walking and the outcome of the slip. Seventy-one slips (induced by walking over an unexpectedly slippery surface) were analysed, which included 37 recoveries, 16 feet-split falls, 11 feet-forward falls and seven lateral falls. Feet kinematics differed between recoveries and three types of slip-induced falls, and a discriminant model including six measures of feet kinematics correctly predicted 87% of slip outcomes. Two potentially modifiable characteristics of the feet kinematics upon slipping that can improve the likelihood of successfully averting a fall were identified: (1) quickly arresting the motion of the slipping foot and (2) a recovery step that places the trailing toe approximately 0–10% body height anterior to the sacrum. These results may inform the development of task-specific balance training interventions that promote favourable recovery responses to slipping. Practitioner Summary: This study investigated the relationship between feet movements upon slipping and outcomes of the slip. Potentially modifiable characteristics that can reduce the likelihood of falling were: (1) quickly arresting slipping foot motion and (2) a recovery step that places the trailing toe approximately 0–10% body height anterior to the sacrum. |
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Keywords: | Slips falls balance training biomechanics |
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