'Initial state' coordinations reproduce the instant flexibility for human walking

Biol Cybern. 2005 Dec;93(6):426-35. doi: 10.1007/s00422-005-0017-9. Epub 2005 Oct 14.

Abstract

An important feature of human locomotor control is the instant adaptability to unpredictable changes of conditions surrounding the locomotion. Humans, for example, can seamlessly adapt their walking gait following a sudden ankle impairment (e.g., as a result of an injury). In this paper, we propose a theoretical study of the mechanisms underlying flexible locomotor control. We hypothesize that flexibility is achieved by modulating the posture at the beginning of the stance phase-the initial state. Using a walking model, we validate our hypothesis through computer simulations.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology
  • Ankle / physiology
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Humans
  • Leg / physiology
  • Models, Biological*
  • Nervous System Physiological Phenomena*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Pliability
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Posture / physiology
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Walking / physiology*