Evaluation of gait and slip parameters for adults with intellectual disability

Courtney A. Haynes, Thurmon E. Lockhart

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Adults with intellectual disability (ID) experience more falls than their non-disabled peers. A gait analysis was conducted to quantify normal walking, and an additional slip trial was performed to measure slip response characteristics for adults with ID as well as a group of age- and gender-matched controls. Variables relating to gait pattern, slip propensity, and slip severity were assessed to compare the differences between groups. The ID group was found to have significantly slower walking speed, shorter step lengths, and increased knee flexion angles at heel contact. These gait characteristics are known to reduce the likelihood of slip initiation in adults without ID. Despite a more cautious gait pattern, however, the ID group exhibited greater slip distances indicating greater slip severity. This study suggests that falls in this population may be due to deficient slip detection or insufficient recovery response.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2337-2341
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Biomechanics
Volume45
Issue number14
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 21 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biomechanics
  • Fall accidents
  • Gait analysis
  • Intellectual disability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Rehabilitation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Evaluation of gait and slip parameters for adults with intellectual disability'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this