Relationship between trunk and foot accelerations during walking in healthy adults.
Jordan J Craig, Adam Bruetsch, Jessie M Huisinga
PMID 27344450WHAT IT FOUND
Healthy adults show larger acceleration magnitude at the foot than the trunk, but more irregular (less periodic) trunk motion.
Foot and trunk movements correlate strongly in the forward plane, suggesting the body prioritizes a predictable foot placement while allowing the trunk to adapt.
Key findings
01Acceleration magnitude (RMS) was significantly higher at the foot than the trunk in both sagittal and frontal planes.
02Trunk motion was significantly more irregular (higher ApEn) than foot motion in both planes, contrary to the hypothesis that the trunk would be more periodic.
03Foot and trunk acceleration magnitudes were strongly correlated in both planes, but regularity was only correlated in the sagittal plane.
STILL TO COME
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What it does not show
The study was conducted on a motorized treadmill, which constrains walking speed and may not fully replicate overground walking dynamics. Participants only walked at their preferred speed; the results may differ during faster, slower, or dual-task conditions. The sample consisted only of healthy young-to-middle-aged adults, so the patterns observed may not apply to older adults or those with gait pathologies. The accelerometer was placed on the ankle, not the foot, although the authors state this approximates foot motion.
Declared interests
None reported.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the higher irregularity of the trunk as a sign of instability. The authors suggest this reflects healthy adaptability, where the foot provides a predictable base of support allowing the trunk to react to disturbances.