Computation method for available response time due to tripping at minimum foot clearance

Abstract

Falls prevention is important for older individuals to maintain healthy lifestyles and is an essential challenge in sustaining the socioeconomic structure of many advanced nations. Tripping has been recognized as the largest cause of falls and accordingly, understanding tripping-induced anterior balance loss is necessary in reducing the overall frequency of falls among older adults. Hazardous anterior balance loss due to tripping can be attributed to the mid-swing phase event, minimum foot clearance (MFC). The mechanism of tripping-induced anterior balance loss can be described as anterior movement of the center of mass (CoM) passing the frontal boundary of the supporting base between the swing and stance toes. The first aim of the current study was to establish a computational method for determining available response time (ART) to anterior balance loss due to tripping at MFC, in other words, the time taken for CoM to reach the anterior boundary and therefore, the time limit for balance recovery. Kinematic information of CoM and both toes in addition to simulated impact force due to tripping at MFC were used to estimate ART. The second aim was to apply correlation analysis to a range of gait parameters to identify the factors influencing ART. ART for balance loss in the forward direction due to tripping was on average. 0.11s for both the dominant and non-dominant limbs' simulated tripping at MFC. Correlation analysis revealed five factors at MFC that prolong ART including: 1) greater fore-aft distance from CoM to stance toe, 2) greater sideway distance from CoM to swing toe, 3) longer distance from CoM to the frontal boundary of the supporting base, 4) slower CoM forward velocity and 5) slower horizontal toe velocity. The established ART computation method can be utilized to examine the effects of ageing and various gait tasks on the likelihood of tripping-induced anterior balance loss and associated falls.