Abstract details
| Abstract-ID: | 2070 |
| Title of the paper: | Visually and mechanically induced gait perturbation exercise enhances trip-resisting skills |
| Authors: | Weber, A., Hartmann, U., Werth, J., Epro, G., Kaufmann, M., Kluge, A., Ellegast, R., Karamanidis, K. |
| Institution: | University of Applied Science Koblenz |
| Department: | Mathematics and Technology |
| Country: | Germany |
| Abstract text | INTRODUCTION: Perturbation-based balance training during locomotion has gained interest as an effective way to improve recovery responses and prevent falls in various populations groups1. Next to mechanically induced gait perturbations, exercise in virtual reality (VR) is promising for motor skill learning2. Given that generalisation of adaptations is crucial for effective stability control and fall prevention, this study aimed to assess the transfer of adaptive refinements in balance recovery responses obtained via exercising mechanically or visually induced gait perturbations to unpredictable tripping. METHODS: Within the framework of a work force project, 110 healthy young and middle-aged (18 to 63yrs) postal and industrial workers (i.e. high-risk group for falls) were randomly assigned either to a control group (n=30; no perturbation exercise) or into two perturbation exercise groups (MEC and VR); and walked on a treadmill. The MEC group (n=40) underwent mechanically induced posterior and medio-lateral gait perturbations via ankle and waist pulls using a pneumatically operated brake-and-release system. The VR group (n=40) was given visually induced gait perturbations through rotations of the virtual environment displayed in VR glasses. Prior and following the treadmill tasks, potential transfer effects were examined during walkway negotiation with sudden electronically triggered tripping elements. Training effects on locomotor adaptations and balance recovery improvements during tripping (transfer task) were assessed by analyzing sagittal plane joint kinematics and the components of the margin of stability (MoS) using statistical parametric mapping over the first two recovery steps. Furthermore, the incidence of near-falls and falls in daily life was monitored two weeks prior to and after the treadmill session using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Both intervention groups showed a comparable increase in MoS during the transfer task in relation to pre-exercise (p<0.05). Furthermore, these groups revealed a lower extrapolated center of mass and lower trunk flexion angle during the compensatory steps during tripping post exercise (p<0.05) and reported approximately 25% decrease in near-fall incidents in daily life. The control group did not show any significant changes in balance recovery responses during the transfer task or change in near-fall incidents over the monitored period. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that repeated visual and mechanical perturbations during walking can lead to adaptive refinements in balance recovery responses and transfer of adaptations to other conditions, enhancing trip-resisting skills. The improvements in dynamic stability during tripping were related to more effective postural adjustments in trunk dynamics leading to less anterior center of mass displacement in response to unpredictable perturbations, which may help to mitigate sudden perturbations to gait in daily life. 1McCrum et al., 2022, FrontSportsActLiving 2Delgado & Der Ananian, 2021, GamesHealthJ |
| Topic: | Biomechanics |
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