31st Annual Student Research Conference
Sensory Determinants of the Walk-to-Run Transition
Erin R. Delph*, Hannah L. Zank, Margaret E. Ross, and Emilie J. Willingham
Dr. Jay M. Bauman, Faculty Mentor
Humans switch gaits at speeds that are near-optimal energetically, but the sensory signals controlling this transition remain unidentified. Backward locomotion could reveal the critical signals by altering the feedback experienced by the lower extremities. The purpose of this study was to examine the backward preferred transition speed (PTS) using a novel, ethologically valid protocol. Forty-three subjects (18 males, 25 females) completed one forward and one backward trial, each consisting of two walk-to-run and two run-to-walk transitions. These transitions occurred as the treadmill systematically accelerated and decelerated by increments of 0.045 m/s every three seconds. Backward PTS was 2.6 m/s, which is less than the metabolically-derived backward PTS (2.9-3.0 m/s), but consistent with calculations based on rating of perceived exertion (2.5 m/s). There also were significant differences between walk-to-run and run-to-walk PTS. These results support multiple sensory determinants controlling gait transitions.
Keywords: Walking, Running, Sensory, Human, Backward
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Athletic Training
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 106-3
Location: VH 1010
Time: 8:30