Altered active control of step width in response to mediolateral leg perturbations while walking.

ABSTRACT: During human walking, step width is predicted by mediolateral motion of the pelvis, a relationship that can be attributed to a combination of passive body dynamics and active sensorimotor control. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether humans modulate the active control of step width in response to a novel mechanical environment. Participants were repeatedly exposed to a force-field that either assisted or perturbed the normal relationship between pelvis motion and step width, separated by washout periods to detect the presence of potential after-effects. As intended, force-field assistance directly strengthened the relationship between pelvis displacement and step width. This relationship remained strengthened with repeated exposure to assistance, and returned to base

SUBMITTER: Reimold NK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7376025 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature