A FOOT AXIS FOR COP PATH OF OLDER ADULT SHORT ACCESS-RAMP WALKING STUDY

Abstract

A foot axis was developed for the investigation of whether there is any significant difference in the COP path position between uphlll and downhill walking on a short access-ramp built according to the access-ramp safety-code specifications. The investigation involved the use of signalised plantar pressure video of 15 adults who performed a two-step gait on a custom-built inclined walking access-ramp. The plantar pressure images were processed to obtain the position of the COP path relative to the new medial foot axis. The findings showed that he difference in the COP path position on the plantar surface was statistically significant at the forefoot region between uphill and downhill access-ramp walking at a recommended maximum grade of 1:s. Based on these findings, more research is needed to determine access-ramp safety-qrades for the elderly based on downhill walking characteristics.