Quantification of arm kinematics in response to a slip induced perturbation

Slip-induced falls are a major public health concern as approximately 25% of older adults who fall will fracture their hip [1]. There is a paucity of research investigating the upper extremity responses to a slip. The purpose of the current study was to characterize the frontal and sagittal excursions of the both arms in response to a slip perturbation. We found that the greatest arm excursion occurred in the frontal plane of the arm contralateral to the slipping foot. Our findings suggest that the arm contralateral to the slipping foot may have the greatest influence on the restoration of balance during slipping.