Relationship between the required coefficient of friction and gait initiation in young adults on a low friction floor

Abstract

The objective of this study was to clarify how movement is controlled at gait initiation in order to avoid increasing required coefficient of friction (RCOF) on a low friction floor. We aimed at examining the relationship between RCOF during push off for the second step and movement of the first step. Twelve healthy young adults underwent measurement of ground reaction forces during push off for the second step using a force plate. Movement of the first step was measured with a motion analysis system. Upon initiation of the gait on the low friction floor, frequency and displacement of slips were greatest during push off for the second step. As the step length for the first step decreased, there was a significant decrease in the maximum value of RCOF during push off for the second step. These findings suggest that the step length for the first step is reduced in order to avoid increasing RCOF during push off for the second step.