A Dynamical Analysis of Changing Direction During Walking

A dynamic analysis of the three dimensional (3-D) kinematic and kinetic characteristics of changing direction during walking was conducted which included examination of: the body segment contributions to the angular momentum about the center of mass of the whole body, coordination and control of interlimb and intralimb at the lower extremities, forces and moments of force at the lower extremities, and preparation for changing direction during walking at the prior step. Eight young healthy adult subjects participated in this study. Two Peak High Speed Camera Systems and two AMTI force platforms were employed for recording 3-D kinetics and kinematics. Changing direction with different turn angles, pivot feet, and walking speeds was examined. The results show that (1) altering angle and pivot foot produced large changes in the angular momentum, forces and moments; (2) there were significant differences for the moments and impulses during the stance phase of the prior step for changing direction; (3) walking speed not only affected the magnitudes of the dependent variables, but also caused earlier preparation for changing direction; (4) the intralimb coordinative relationship was less stable while changing direction, but the interlimb coordinative relationship was more stable; (5) there is more risk for slips and falls while changing direction during walking than while walking straight forward, especially when the heel of the pivot foot is in contact with the ground. These findings provide a better understanding of the unique characteristics of changing direction during walking, and also provide information to help the diagnosis of persons with movement disorders.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology and Community Health

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Xu, Dali

Contributors dc:contributor

• Karl Rosengren

• Biophysics, General

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9737296

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/86411