Development of a novel gait perturbation system for the study of stumble recovery

This Abstract summarizes a novel automated system to introduce stumble-inducing gait perturbations that are: (1) realistic, (2) are unanticipated by subjects, and (3) accurately controllable in their timing. Furthermore, this system (4) allows for kinematic and kinetic evaluation before and after the perturbation. Human subject data is also presented, which demonstrate that people are unable to anticipate the perturbation and that the system can target specifically-timed perturbations during swing phase (accurate within 25 ms). This system will enable the study of stumble recovery in both healthy individuals and individuals with disabilities. Next, a systematic study on the effect of perturbation timing will be performed to gain an improved understanding of how people recover and to inform the design of interventions (e.g., prostheses) for fall prevention.