Nonlinear dynamical model of human gait

Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys. 2003 May;67(5 Pt 1):051917. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.67.051917. Epub 2003 May 20.

Abstract

We present a nonlinear dynamical model of the human gait control system in a variety of gait regimes. The stride-interval time series in normal human gait is characterized by slightly multifractal fluctuations. The fractal nature of the fluctuations becomes more pronounced under both an increase and decrease in the average gait. Moreover, the long-range memory in these fluctuations is lost when the gait is keyed on a metronome. Human locomotion is controlled by a network of neurons capable of producing a correlated syncopated output. The central nervous system is coupled to the motocontrol system, and together they control the locomotion of the gait cycle itself. The metronomic gait is simulated by a forced nonlinear oscillator with a periodic external force associated with the conscious act of walking in a particular way.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Biophysics
  • Gait*
  • Humans
  • Locomotion
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Oscillometry
  • Time Factors
  • Walking*