Comparison of anticipatory postural adjustments in gait initiation and stepping

Abstract

[Purpose] The present study aimed to clarify differences in anticipatory postural adjustments during gait initiation (GI) and stepping. [Participants and Methods] GI and stepping at the comfortable and maximum speeds of 13 healthy adults were measured using a sheet-type loading-force sensor. Backward displacement, lateral displacement, and the velocity of the center of pressure (COP) of both motions were calculated. [Results] Motion comparisons showed that backward COP displacement was significantly lower during stepping than during GI. Speed comparisons showed that backward displacement, lateral displacement, and the velocity of the COP significantly increased with increasing motion velocity. [Conclusion] Backward displacement of the COP increased more during GI than during stepping, and the results suggest that postural control in the anteroposterior direction is different between the two motions.