Analysis of Ground Reaction Forces and Kinematic Response to Gait Perturbation During Mid- to Terminal Stance Phase of the Gait Cycle

Falls that occur while walking are one of the most common injury threat. Movement strategies for maintaining static balance are being widely examined; however, the number of studies offering an analysis of a body’s response to the mid-gait perturbation, especially research concerning the stance leg, is limited. In the current work, Motek Grail System was used to induce gait disturbance and to record kinematic and kinetic data of 43 healthy young adults. The results show the kinematic response in the coronal plane for hip and ankle joints, whereas in the sagittal plane the analysis additionally includes the knee. The kinetics turned out to be affected as well. The presented research is in agreement with literature data, yet still new strategies were also observed, including increased knee flexion during perturbation and two different swing foot planting strategies. The results of this research may be used to propose a fall prevention exercise protocol.