Biomechanical strategies for mitigating unexpected slips: A review.

Autor: Nunes J; Center for MicroElectroMechanical Systems, University of Minho, Guimarães, 4800-058, Portugal., Armada M; Center for MicroElectroMechanical Systems, University of Minho, Guimarães, 4800-058, Portugal., Pereira JL; Center for MicroElectroMechanical Systems, University of Minho, Guimarães, 4800-058, Portugal., Ribeiro NF; Center for MicroElectroMechanical Systems, University of Minho, Guimarães, 4800-058, Portugal. Electronic address: nuno.fribeiro@dei.uminho.pt., Carvalho Ó; Center for MicroElectroMechanical Systems, University of Minho, Guimarães, 4800-058, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, University of Minho, Guimarães/Braga, 4710-057/4800-058, Portugal., Santos CP; Center for MicroElectroMechanical Systems, University of Minho, Guimarães, 4800-058, Portugal; LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, University of Minho, Guimarães/Braga, 4710-057/4800-058, Portugal.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: Journal of biomechanics [J Biomech] 2024 Aug; Vol. 173, pp. 112235. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Jul 20.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112235
Abstrakt: Slips are the leading cause of falls, and understanding slip biomechanics is crucial for preventing falls and mitigating their negative consequences. This study analyses human biomechanical responses to slips, including kinetic, kinematic, spatiotemporal, and EMG variables. We reviewed 41 studies investigating slip-induced falls in lab settings, computational models, and training approaches. Our analysis focused on reactions and effects of factors like age, fatigue, strength, perturbation intensity, and gait speed. Trailing limbs' hip extension and knee flexion interrupt the swing phase earlier, increasing the support base. The slipping leg responds with two phases: hip extension and knee flexion, then hip flexion and knee extension. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that the medial hamstring muscles play an active role in slip recoveries. Their activation in the slipping limb allows for hip extension and knee flexion, while in the trailing limb, their activation results in the foot touching down. Additionally, successful slip recoveries were associated with co-contraction of the Tibialis Anterior (TA) and Medial Gastrocnemius (MG), which increases ankle joint stability and facilitates foot contact with the ground. Our review identifies various factors that influence biomechanical and muscular responses to slips, including age, perturbation intensity, gait speed, muscular fatigue, and muscular strength. These findings have important implications for designing interventions to prevent slip-related falls, including cutting-edge technology devices based on a deeper understanding of slip recoveries. Future research should explore the complex interplay between biomechanics, muscle activation patterns, and environmental factors to improve slip-fall prevention strategies.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest I am writing to declare my interests in relation to the manuscript titled “Biomechanical Strategies to avoid Unexpected Slips: A Review” submitted to Journal of Biomechanics for consideration for publication. I am submitting this Declaration of Interest Statement as a responsible and transparent disclosure to ensure the team’s integrity and impartiality during the peer-review process. I understand the importance of maintaining the highest standards of transparency and integrity in the peer-review process and assure you that I will adhere to these principles throughout the revision process. So, I kindly confirm that all authors diligently disclose any financial and personal relationships with individuals or organisations that may potentially exert undue influence or bias on their work.
(Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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