Walking In Individuals Research Articles

Analysis of the Recent AI for Pedestrian Navigation With Wearable Inertial Sensors

Wearable devices embedding inertial sensors enable autonomous, seamless, and low-cost pedestrian navigation. Appealing it is, the approach faces several challenges: measurement noises, different device-carrying modes, different user dynamics, and individual walking characteristics. Recent research applies Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve inertial navigation's robustness and accuracy. Our analysis identifies 2 main categories of AI approaches depending on the inertial signals segmentation: either using human gait events (steps or strides) or fixed-length inertial data segments. A theoretical analysis of the fundamental assumptions is carried out for each category. Two state-of-the-art AI algorithms (SELDA, RoNIN), representative of each category, and a gait-driven non-AI method (SmartWalk) are evaluated in a 2,17 km long open access dataset, representative of the diversity of pedestrians' mobility surroundings (open-sky, indoors, forest, urban, parking lot). SELDA is an AI-based stride length estimation algorithm, RoNIN is an AI-based positioning method, and SmartWalk is a gait-driven non-AI positioning method. The experimental assessment shows the distinct features in each category and their limits with respect to the underlying hypotheses. On average, SELDA, RoNIN, and SmartWalk achieve 8 m, 22 m, and 17 m average positioning errors (RMSE) respectively, on six testing tracks recorded with two volunteers in various environments.

Emerging research on vibration serviceability assessment of pedestrian structures

Despite an increasing number of reported vibration serviceability problems caused by pedestrians walking on newly built footbridges, floors, and staircases around the world, there is still a lack of adequate codes of practice. There are three key issues that a new generation of relevant design guidelines should urgently address: (1) the absence of a universal model that accounts for the entire energy spectrum of walking loading as well as inter-and intra-subject variability of individual walking forces; (2) the effect of human bodies on the dynamic properties of a structure; and (3) pedestrian "intelligent" interaction with the surrounding people and environment. This article provides a brief overview of the relevant state-of-the-art research that has great potential to change this unsatisfactory state of affairs.

The Neurons That Restore Walking After Paralysis

Paralysis after a spinal cord injury is due to the cut-off signaling between the brain and brainstem, especially those pathways that lead to a lumbar spinal cord. Kathe and her colleagues demonstrated that walking in nine patients with spinal cord injury significantly improved during the neurorehabilitation process in which the lumbar spinal cord's spatiotemporal epidural electrical stimulation (EES) was used. A decrease in the lumber spinal cord neuronal activity was counterintuitively accompanied by improved human walking. The authors thought that this decrease in neuronal activity suggests the selection of a particular neuronal subpopulation essential for walking. To find this out, they recapitulated the same study in mouse models. They used transcriptomics and single-nucleus sequencing to chart the molecular circuitry of these mice from paralysis to recovery. They found a subset of neurons within the intermediate laminate. Interestingly, these neurons are not required for normal walking in healthy individuals, but the authors demonstrated that these neurons are essential for walking after a spinal injury. They further confirmed their findings by ablating these neurons, which prevented the recovery from a spinal injury, whereas augmenting these neurons further improved the recovery. The authors found a subset of neurons that organize the rescue of walking after spinal injury and provided a new framework for using molecular cartography to identify neurons required for certain behaviors. Nature (2022) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-05385-7.

NEIGHBORHOOD WALKABILITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH GPS-DERIVED LIFE-SPACE MOBILITY OF OLDER ADULTS

Abstract For community-dwelling older adults, living in a more walkable neighborhood may encourage greater travel outdoors (i.e., life-space mobility). We assessed associations between neighborhood walkability and objective, GPS-derived life-space mobility. Participants were 149 adults (Age: M=77.1±6.5, 67% women) from a randomized trial to improve walking in older individuals. Participants carried a GPS at baseline that passively collected real-time location data for 5-7 days. Life-space mobility was quantified using median percentage time spent outside of home (pTOH). Neighborhood walkability was assessed using a modified Active Neighborhood Checklist and Google Street View, and a composite factor score was derived (M=-0.13±0.90, greater score=less slopes, more mixed residential/commercial land use). Each 1-point higher walkability score was associated with 2.5% greater pTOH (95%CI: 0.21-4.69, β=.23, p=.032), after adjusting for age, sex, race, device, season, and clustering on Census tract. Future work will examine how neighborhood walkability and functional status may interact to influence life-space mobility.

An investigation into the hammer toe effects on the lower extremity mechanics and plantar fascia tension: A case for a vicious cycle and progressive damage

Hammer toes are one of the common deformities of the forefoot that can lead to compensatory changes during walking in individuals with this condition. Predicting the adverse effects of tissue damage on the performance of other limbs is very important in the prevention of progressive damage. Finite element (FE) and musculoskeletal modeling can be helpful by allowing such effects to be studied in a way where the internal stresses in the tissue could be investigated. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of the hammer toe deformity on the lower extremity, especially on the plantar fascia functions. To compare the joint reactions of the hammer toe foot (HTF) and healthy foot (HF), two musculoskeletal models (MSM) of the feet of a healthy individual and that of a participant with hammer toe foot were developed based on gait analysis. A previously validated 3D finite element model which was constructed using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the diabetic participant with the hammer toe deformity was processed at five different events during the stance phase of gait.It was found that the hammer toe deformity makes dorsiflexion of the toes and the windlass mechanism less effective during walking. Specifically, the FE analysis results showed that plantar fascia (PF) in HTF compared to HF played a less dominant role in load bearing with both medial and lateral parts of PF loaded. Also, the results indicated that the stored elastic energy in PF was less in HTF than the HF, which can indicate a higher metabolic cost during walking. Internal stress distribution shows that the majority of ground reaction forces are transmitted through the lateral metatarsals in hammer toe foot, and the probability of fifth metatarsal fracture and also progressive deformity was subsequently increased. The MSM results showed that the joint reaction forces and moments in the hammer toe foot have deviated from normal, where the metatarsophalangeal joint reactions in the hammer toe were less than the values in the healthy foot. This can indicate a vicious cycle of foot deformity, leading to changes in body weight force transmission line, and deviation of joint reactions and plantar fascia function from normal. These in turn lead to increased internal stress concentration, which in turn lead to further foot deformities. This vicious cycle cause progressive damage and can lead to an increase in the risk of ulceration in the diabetic foot.

Fourier Series Approximation of Vertical Walking Force-Time History through Frequentist and Bayesian Inference

The increased ambition of architects coupled with advancements in structural materials, as well as the rapidly increasing pressure on civil engineering sector to reduce embodied carbon, have resulted in longer spans and more slender pedestrian structures. These structures often have one or more low natural frequencies in the range of human walking accompanied with low modal masses and damping ratios. Thus, they are prone to excessive and often resonant vibrations that may compromise the serviceability limit state. Principally the uncertainty in prediction of the vibration serviceability limit state mainly originates from unreliable estimates of pedestrian loading. The key rationale behind this situation is the limited mathematical characterisation featuring in current design codes and guidelines pertinent to pedestrian-induced loading. The Fourier approximation is typically used to describe individual walking forces. Historically, such models are based on limited experimental data and deterministic mathematical descriptions. Current industry used load models featured in design codes and guidelines have been shown to incorporate inherent bias through limited intra-subject variation and poor correlation with real walking loads. This paper presents an improved Fourier model of vertical walking force across multiple harmonics, presented in a Bayesian and Frequentist statistical parameterisation. They are derived using the most comprehensive dataset to date, comprising of over ten hours of continuous vertical walking force signals. Dissimilar to previous Fourier models, the proposed models attempt to encapsulate the surround energy leakage around harmonic integers with a singular value. The proposed models provide consistently lower force amplitudes than any previous model and is shown to be more representative of real walking. The proposed model provides a closer approximation of a structural acceleration than any other similar Fourier-based model. The proposed model provides further evidence to combine the so called high and low frequency load models.

Under pressure: design and validation of a pressure-sensitive insole for ankle plantar flexion biofeedback during neuromuscular gait training.

Electromyography (EMG)-based audiovisual biofeedback systems, developed and tested in research settings to train neuromuscular control in patient populations such as cerebral palsy (CP), have inherent implementation obstacles that may limit their translation to clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to design and validate an alternative, plantar pressure-based biofeedback system for improving ankle plantar flexor recruitment during walking in individuals with CP. Eight individuals with CP (11-18 years old) were recruited to test both an EMG-based and a plantar pressure-based biofeedback system while walking. Ankle plantar flexor muscle recruitment, co-contraction at the ankle, and lower limb kinematics were compared between the two systems and relative to baseline walking. Relative to baseline walking, both biofeedback systems yielded significant increases in mean soleus (43-58%, p < 0.05), and mean (68-70%, p < 0.05) and peak (71-82%, p < 0.05) medial gastrocnemius activation, with no differences between the two systems and strong relationships for all primary outcome variables (R = 0.89-0.94). Ankle co-contraction significantly increased relative to baseline only with the EMG-based system (52%, p = 0.03). These findings support future research on functional training with this simple, low-cost biofeedback modality.

Feasibility of a theory-based intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour among contact centre staff: the SUH stepped-wedge cluster RCT

Background Sedentary behaviour is linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal issues and poor mental well-being. Contact (call) centres are associated with higher levels of sedentary behaviour than other office-based workplaces. Stand Up for Health is an adaptive intervention designed to reduce sedentary behaviour in contact centres. Objectives The objectives were to test the acceptability and feasibility of implementing the intervention; to assess the feasibility of the study design and methods; to scope the feasibility of a future health economic evaluation; and to consider the impact of COVID-19 on the intervention. All sites received no intervention for between 3 and 12 months after the start of the study, as a waiting list control. Design This was a cluster-randomised stepped-wedge feasibility design. Setting The trial was set in 11 contact centres across the UK. Participants Eleven contact centres and staff. Intervention Stand Up for Health involved two workshops with staff in which staff developed activities for their context and culture. Activities ranged from using standing desks to individual goal-setting, group walks and changes to workplace policies and procedures. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was accelerometer-measured sedentary time. The secondary outcomes were subjectively measured sedentary time, overall sedentary behaviour, physical activity, productivity, mental well-being and musculoskeletal health. Results Stand Up for Health was implemented in 7 out of 11 centres and was acceptable, feasible and sustainable (objective 1). The COVID-19 pandemic affected the delivery of the intervention, involvement of contact centres, data collection and analysis. Organisational factors were deemed most important to the success of Stand Up for Health but also the most challenging to change. There were also difficulties with the stepped-wedge design, specifically maintaining contact centre interest (objective 2). Feasible methods for estimating cost-efficiency from an NHS and a Personal Social Services perspective were identified, assuming that alternative feasible effectiveness methodology can be applied. Detailed activity-based costing of direct intervention costs was achieved and, therefore, deemed feasible (objective 3). There was significantly more sedentary time spent in the workplace by the centres that received the intervention than those that did not (mean difference 84.06 minutes, 95% confidence interval 4.07 to 164.1 minutes). The other objective outcomes also tended to favour the control group. Limitations There were significant issues with the stepped-wedge design, including difficulties in maintaining centre interest and scheduling data collection. Collection of accelerometer data was not feasible during the pandemic. Conclusions Stand Up for Health is an adaptive, feasible and sustainable intervention. However, the stepped-wedge study design was not feasible. The effectiveness of Stand Up for Health was not demonstrated and clinically important reductions in sedentary behaviour may not be seen in a larger study. However, it may still be worthwhile conducting an effectiveness study of Stand Up for Health incorporating activities more relevant to hybrid workplaces. Future work Future work could include developing hybrid (office and/or home working) activities for Stand Up for Health; undertaking a larger effectiveness study and follow-up economic analysis (subject to its success); and exploring organisational features of contact centres that affect the implementation of interventions such as Stand Up for Health. Trial registration This trial is registered as ISRCTN11580369. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 10, No. 13. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Study of LCF behaviour and life estimation based on modified SWT model and enhanced strain energy density of Ti–6Al–4V ELI

Among various types of Titanium alloy, Ti–6Al–4V ELI is the most extensively used alloy. This particular type of alloy is officially termed as Bio-material owing to its high strength, bio-compatibility, low density and good formability characteristics of titanium. Hence, it becomes necessary to evaluate its fatigue properties and low cycle fatigue behaviour for the bio-medical applications such as implants which is subjected to cyclic loading because of various physical movements performed by individual like walking, jumping or running. In this study, completely reversible strain controlled fatigue tests were carried out for various strain amplitudes at an ambient environment. The experimental data was evaluated to describe the cyclic deformation behaviour, Strain-Life plot, maximum stress variation, cyclic softening behaviour and massing behaviour. Finally, two different methods are proposed to estimate the fatigue life of Ti–6Al–4V ELI on the basis of experimental data. First is SWT model which was originally proposed by Swift, Watson and Topper to account the mean stress effect on Fatigue life is further modified in this study by replacing stress amplitude determined at the half-life with the stress amplitude determined at the first cycle. And second is estimation of Fatigue life on the basis of the Accumulated Plastic Strain Energy Density (PSED). The fatigue life estimation carried out based on above two approaches demonstrated very well agreement with experimental life.

Urbanization increases fluctuating asymmetry and affects behavioral traits of a common grasshopper.

Urbanization has a major impact on biodiversity. For many organisms, the urbanization process means environmental stress caused by fragmentation and increased temperatures in cities and atmospheric, soil, light, and noise pollution. Such environmental stress can influence both the morphology and behavior of animals. Hence, individuals might be selected for survival-facilitating traits under high pressures in urban areas. The specific impact of urbanization on insect behavior is still largely unexplored. We studied the impact of urbanization on one of the most common grasshopper species in Germany, Chorthippus biguttulus, by comparing morphological and behavioral traits of individuals sampled from grasslands with low, medium, and high urbanization levels. We first investigated whether urbanization as a stressor affected body size and fluctuating asymmetry in the locomotor organs. Next, we examined whether urbanization induced changes in the individuals' boldness and activity. Our results showed that fluctuating asymmetry of grasshoppers' locomotory organs increased more than twofold with urbanization level. Further, individuals' boldness and walking activity increased from areas with low to high urbanization levels. Our results indicate strong responses of grasshoppers in terms of morphology and behavior to the urban environment. To compensate for urbanization effects on arthropod populations, management strategies need to be developed that maintain ecological processes and reduce environmental stress in urban areas.

Estimating Highest Capacity Performance During Evaluation of Walking for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To assess the role of fear of falling and balance confidence in a clinician guarding (overhead) vs. overhead harness condition. To validate and assess a safe top walking speed measure for participants with TBI. <h3>Design</h3> Repeated measures over 3 days (1 testing environment per day) for overground (clinical standard), overhead track (suspended torso and thigh harness), and robotic treadmill (harness system over a treadmill belt). Participants will complete walking assessments using the 10-meter walk test, 5 times sit-to-stand, and 6-minute walk test. Top walking speed is performed in the robotic treadmill safety-enhanced environment. Fear of fall and walking confidence are assessed at baseline. <h3>Setting</h3> The Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute in Galveston, TX provides inpatient post-acute brain injury rehabilitation. We will conduct evaluations on site in their gymnasium. <h3>Participants</h3> Our study sample will include 28 post-TBI individuals currently enrolled at the Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute. Participants must be 1) English-speaking, 2) 18+ years old, 3) ambulatory with or without assistive devices, 4) medically stable (controlled hypertension, no arrhythmia, stable cardiovascular status), 5) for subjects with expressive aphasia, a caregiver must be able to provide assistance when needed. <h3>Interventions</h3> Repeated measures design, no applied interventions. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Comfortable Walking Speed (meters/second): 10-meter walk test (comfortable) Fast Walking Speed: 10-meter walk test (fast) Top Walking Speed: In the robotic treadmill environment (safety-enhanced), participants are instructed to do their best to keep up with the speed set by the administrator. The fastest speed successfully completed is documented as the top walking speed. Strength: 5 times sit-to-stand. Endurance: 6-minute walk test. <h3>Results</h3> Preliminary results from the first 8 participants show that walking strength and fast walking speeds are predictors of top walking speeds obtained in the robotic treadmill environment, but it is too soon to make statistically significant conclusions. Complete data will be collected and analyzed by the conference date. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Methods that reduce the fear of falling during walking assessments are critically needed, as true walking ability may be greater than standard overground tests can determine. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None.

Dynamic knee stiffness during walking is increased in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Individuals with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction often display abnormal gait mechanics reflective of a “stiff-knee” gait (i.e., reduced knee flexion angles and moments). However, dynamic knee stiffness, which is the dynamic relationship between the position of the knee and the moment acting on it, has not been directly examined during walking in individuals with ACL reconstruction. Here, we aimed to evaluate dynamic knee stiffness in the involved compared to the uninvolved limb during weight-acceptance and mid-stance phases of walking. Twenty-six individuals who underwent ACL reconstruction (Age: 20.2 ± 5.1 yrs., Time post-op: 7.2 ± 0.9 mo.) completed an overground walking assessment using a three-dimensional motion capture system and two force plates. Dynamic knee stiffness (Nm/°) was calculated as the slope of the regression line during weight-acceptance and midstance, obtained by plotting the sagittal plane knee angle versus knee moment. Paired t-tests with Bonferroni corrections were used to compare differences in dynamic stiffness, knee excursions, and moment ranges between limbs during both stance phases. Greater dynamic knee stiffness was found in the involved compared with the uninvolved limb during weight-acceptance and mid-stance (p < 0.01). Knee flexion and extension excursions were reduced in the involved limb during both weight-acceptance and mid-stance, respectively (p < 0.01). Sagittal plane knee moment ranges were not different between limbs during weight-acceptance (p = 0.1); however, the involved limb moment range was reduced relative to the uninvolved limb during mid-stance (p < 0.01). These results indicate that individuals with ACL reconstruction walk with a stiffer knee throughout stance, which may influence knee contact forces and could contribute to the high propensity for post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis development in this population.

Contribution of lower extremity muscles to center of mass acceleration during walking: Effect of body weight

Overweight or obesity is known to be associated with altered activations of lower extremity muscles. Such changes in muscular function may lead to the development of mobility impairments or joint diseases. However, little is known about how individual lower extremity muscles contribute to the whole-body center of mass (COM) control during walking and the effect of body weight. This study examined the contribution of individual lower extremity muscle force to the COM accelerations during walking in overweight and non-overweight individuals. Musculoskeletal simulations were performed for the stance phase of walking with data collected from 11 overweight and 13 non-overweight adults to estimate lower extremity muscle forces and their contributions to the COM acceleration. Mean time-series data from each parameter were compared between body size groups using Statistical Parametric Mapping. Compared to the non-overweight group, the overweight group revealed a greater gastrocnemius contribution to the mediolateral (p = 0.006) and vertical (p < 0.001) COM accelerations during mid-stance, and had a lower vastus contribution to the anteroposterior COM acceleration (p < 0.001) during pre-swing. Increased contributions from the large posterior calf muscles to the mediolateral COM acceleration may be related to efforts to alleviate COM sway in overweight individuals.

Swing-phase pelvis perturbation improves dynamic lateral balance during walking in individuals with spinal cord injury.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the control of lateral balance can be improved by applying repeated lateral perturbation force to the pelvis during swing versus stance phase walking in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Fourteen individuals with incomplete SCI were recruited in this study. Each participant visited the lab once and was tested in two experimental sessions that consisted of (1) treadmill walking with bilateral perturbation force applied to the pelvis in the lateral direction during either swing or stance phase of each leg and (2) overground walking pre- and post-treadmill walking. Applying the swing-phase perturbation during walking induced a greater increase in the muscle activation of hip abductors and ankle plantar flexors and a greater improvement in lateral balance control after the removal of perturbation force, in comparison to the results of the stance-phase perturbation condition (P ≤ 0.03). Participants also exhibited a greater reduction in overground step width and a greater improvement in overground walking speed after a session of treadmill walking practice with the swing-phase perturbation, compared with the result of the stance-phase perturbation (P = 0.01). These findings suggest that applying perturbation force to the pelvis during the swing phase of gait while walking may enhance muscle activities of hip abductors and improve lateral balance control in individuals with SCI. A walking practice with the swing-phase pelvis perturbation can be used as a rehabilitation approach to improve the control of lateral balance during walking in people with SCI.

Disentangled face editing via individual walk in personalized facial semantic field

Disentangled face editing via individual walk in personalized facial semantic field

A framework for clinical utilization of robotic exoskeletons in rehabilitation

Exoskeletons are externally worn motorized devices that assist with sit-to-stand and walking in individuals with motor and functional impairments. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several of these technologies for clinical use however, there is limited evidence to guide optimal utilization in every day clinical practice. With the diversity of technologies & equipment available, it presents a challenge for clinicians to decide which device to use, when to initiate, how to implement these technologies with different patient presentations, and when to wean off the devices. Thus, we present a clinical utilization framework specific to exoskeletons with four aims.These aims are to assist with clinical decision making of when exoskeleton use is clinically indicated, identification of which device is most appropriate based on patient deficits and device characteristics, providing guidance on dosage parameters within a plan of care and guidance for reflection following utilization. This framework streamlines how clinicians can approach implementation through the synthesis of published evidence with appropriate clinical assessment & device selection to reflection for success and understanding of these innovative & complex technologies.

The relationship between motor pathway damage and flexion-extension patterns of muscle co-excitation during walking.

Mass flexion-extension co-excitation patterns during walking are often seen as a consequence of stroke, but there is limited understanding of the specific contributions of different descending motor pathways toward their control. The corticospinal tract is a major descending motor pathway influencing the production of normal sequential muscle coactivation patterns for skilled movements. However, control of walking is also influenced by non-corticospinal pathways such as the corticoreticulospinal pathway that possibly contribute toward mass flexion-extension co-excitation patterns during walking. The current study sought to investigate the associations between damage to corticospinal (CST) and corticoreticular (CRP) motor pathways following stroke and the presence of mass flexion-extension patterns during walking as evaluated using module analysis. Seventeen healthy controls and 44 stroke survivors were included in the study. We used non-negative matrix factorization for module analysis of paretic leg electromyographic activity. We typically have observed four modules during walking in healthy individuals. Stroke survivors often have less independently timed modules, for example two-modules presented as mass flexion-extension pattern. We used diffusion tensor imaging-based analysis where streamlines connecting regions of interest between the cortex and brainstem were computed to evaluate CST and CRP integrity. We also used a coarse classification tree analysis to evaluate the relative CST and CRP contribution toward module control. Interhemispheric CST asymmetry was associated with worse lower extremity Fugl-Meyer score (p = 0.023), propulsion symmetry (p = 0.016), and fewer modules (p = 0.028). Interhemispheric CRP asymmetry was associated with worse lower extremity Fugl-Meyer score (p = 0.009), Dynamic gait index (p = 0.035), Six-minute walk test (p = 0.020), Berg balance scale (p = 0.048), self-selected walking speed (p = 0.041), and propulsion symmetry (p = 0.001). The classification tree model reveled that substantial ipsilesional CRP or CST damage leads to a two-module pattern and poor walking ability with a trend toward increased compensatory contralesional CRP based control. Both CST and CRP are involved with control of modules during walking and damage to both may lead to greater reliance on the contralesional CRP, which may contribute to a two-module pattern and be associated with worse walking performance.

Inter-individual coordination in walking chimpanzees

Humans, like many other animals, live in groups and coordinate actions with others in social settings.1 Such interpersonal coordination may emerge unconsciously and when the goal is not the coordination of movements, as when falling into the same rhythm when walking together.2 Although one of our closest living relatives, the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), shows the ability to succeed in complex joint action tasks where coordination is the goal,3 little is known about simpler forms of joint action. Here, we examine whether chimpanzees spontaneously synchronize their actions with conspecifics while walking together. We collected data on individual walking behavior of two groups of chimpanzees under semi-natural conditions. In addition, we assessed social relationships to investigate potential effects on the strength of coordination. When walking with a conspecific, individuals walked faster than when alone. The relative phase was symmetrically distributed around 0° with the highest frequencies around 0, indicating a tendency to coordinate actions. Further, coordination was stronger when walking with a partner compared with two individuals walking independently. Although the inter-limb entrainment was more pronounced between individuals of similar age as a proxy for height, it was not affected by the kinship or bonding status of the walkers or the behaviors they engaged in immediately after the walk. We conclude that chimpanzees adapt their individual behavior to temporally coordinate actions with others, which might provide a basis for engaging in other more complex forms of joint action. This spontaneous form of inter-individual coordination, often called entrainment, is thus shared with humans.

THE INFLUENCE OF DOUBLE AND TRIPLE TASKS ON RECOVERING BALANCE DURING WALKING IN PATIENTS WITH BRAIN INJURIES

The work highlights the problem of restoration of dynamic balance during walking in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Determining and correcting gait and balance disorders is a significant challenge for the rehabilitation and recovery of people who have suffered a TBI, although it is generally not known to the end which means and methods of treatment will be the most effective. Restoring balance and walking is also an aspect of fall prevention. Cognitive deficits, which are a frequent consequence of TBI, can also negatively affect the quality of walking, so understanding how the combination of attention and mobility can affect the balance and safety of patients with neurological disorders is a very important issue. The aim of the study was to develop and test the effectiveness of dual- and triple-task-based programs to restore balance during walking in individuals with Rancho level 7 traumatic brain injury.&#x0D; The objectives of the study: to analyze the scientific evidence literature on the peculiarities of disorders in craniocerebral trauma, as well as on the use of double and triple tasks in dynamic balance disorders during walking, to develop programs based on the use of double and triple tasks to improve dynamic balance under walking time in individuals with brain injury with Rancho level 7, to test the effectiveness of programs based on the use of dual and triple tasks to improve dynamic balance during walking in individuals with brain injury with Rancho level 7, to develop practical recommendations for physical therapists working on improving dynamic balance during walking in individuals with TBI.&#x0D; The following methods were used in the research: analysis of scientific and methodical literature; sociological methods (survey, case history, observation and data analysis); clinical and instrumental research methods (International Classification of Functioning, Rancho Scale, Berg Balance, Community Mobility and Balance Scale), methods of mathematical statistics.&#x0D; In this work, the effectiveness of individual physical therapy programs for restoring balance during walking, which are based on the use of double and triple tasks, was developed and tested. Practical recommendations for physical therapists working on restoring dynamic balance during walking were developed.&#x0D; Physical therapy programs were selected individually and differed for each participant, although the tasks could be similar or the same, the dosage and the order of execution was different for each participant. The selection of exercises and tasks was based on survey data and information obtained from questionnaires that each participant filled out before the start of the study.&#x0D; The practical significance lies in the development of practical guidelines for physical therapists regarding the use of dual and triple tasks to restore dynamic balance during walking in individuals with Rancho level 7 TBI.&#x0D; We determined that the application of dual and triple tasks contributes to the improvement of dynamic balance during walking in individuals with brain injury, therefore we decided to test the effectiveness of the application of dual and triple tasks to restore dynamic balance during walking in individuals with TBI.

A RAPID REVIEW ON ROBOTIC (EXOSKELETON) TO EVALUATE BALANCED, STANDING AND WALKING

Balance evaluation during standing and walking is efficient chiefly in people with neural compensations. Rehabilitation robots, on the other hand, might make evaluation processes easier and increase their clinical usefulness. We analysed the possible use of robotic instruments for such assessments based on this overview. The uniqueness and presumed key benefits of utilising robots for assessment include their capacity to assess severely afflicted patients by offering assistance-when-needed, as well as their ability to give constant perturbations while standing and walking while recording the patient's reactions. We classify robotic devices based on three factors that are significant to their potential application in balance assessment: 1) the device's interaction with the human body; 2) on what surface the individual stands or walks when using the gadget, and 3) To what extent the wearable devices are. Also, robotic support was easy to use with no undesirable effects of skin abrasions or soreness.