Abstract
This study investigated the relationship of required coefficient of friction to gait speed, obstacle height, and turning strategy as participants walked around obstacles of various heights. Ten healthy, young adults performed 90° turns around corner pylons of four different heights at their self selected normal, slow, and fast walking speeds using both step and spin turning strategies. Kinetic data was captured using force plates. Results showed peak required coefficient of friction (RCOF) at push off increased with increased speed (slow μ=0.38, normal μ=0.45, and fast μ=0.54). Obstacle height had no effect on RCOF values. The average peak RCOF for fast turning exceeded the OSHA safety guideline for static COF of μ>0.50, suggesting further research is needed into the minimum static COF to prevent slips and falls, especially around corners.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1395-1400 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Biomechanics |
Volume | 47 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 11 2014 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Biomechanics
- Friction
- Friction demand
- Gait
- RCOF
- Required coefficient of friction
- Slips and falls
- Speed
- Turning
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation