Lower extremity gait kinematics on slippery surfaces in construction worksite

摘要

The purpose of this study was to investigate the lower extremity kinematics when walking on potential slippery surfaces in simulated construction worksite environments. Two footwear, two floorings and four contaminants were determined to represent the local construction worksite environments through a survey, which made sixteen simulated conditions. The sixteen conditions were then classified into three groups by slipping potential through a mechanical slip resistant test. Fifteen Chinese harnessed male subjects were instructed to walk and avoid slips on each of the sixteen simulated five-meter walkways ten times at their natural cadence. The movements in sagittal plane were videotaped, digitized and analyzed by motion analysis system. ANOVA showed that with increased slipping potential, changes in gait pattern parameters included increased stance and stride time, shortened stride length, decreased propagation speed and gentle heel strike. In lower extremity kinematics parameters, significant differences were found mainly at ankle joint rather than at knee joint. It is concluded that strategy to prevent slips included increased stance and stride time, shortened stride length, decreased propagation speed and gentle heel strike. Ankle joint played the most important adaptation strategy.