SLIP PREVENTION IN WALKING -LOWER EXTREMITY BIOMECHANICS

Abstract

This study investigated the human slip prevention strategies when walking on slippery surfaces. Fifteen male subjects performed, level walking without slips under sixteen simulated construction site environments. Kinematics, kinetics and electromyography parameters were collected. The slipperiness of the walkway conditions were quantified by the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF). Gait changes in slippery condition included prolonged force and pressure exertion in hallux and lateral toes. more ankle plantarflexion moment during 30-50% stance, less knee extension moment during 1030% stance, higher muscle activity at rectus femoris in late stance, and in gastrocnemius in swing phase. These strategies helped achieving walking without slips by reducing the RCOF from 0.188 to 0.092, which was just lower to the dropped available friction (DCOF=0.107).