Abstract
Further understanding causes and characteristics of slip and fall accidents may aid in prevention of severe injuries and fatalities that result from these accidents. Moreover, understanding mechanisms associated with gait adjustment across a known slippery surface may help in proactively avoiding slips and falls. This study involved examination gait parameter characteristics of the lower extremities during different walking conditions.
This study consisted of exposing 14 younger and 14 older participants to controlled slippery conditions safely, while studying normal and adjusted gait characteristics (friction requirement, heel contact velocity, and step length). First, a baseline measure was done to study normal gait prior to any exposure to slipping. A second measure was done following a slip from a contaminated floor surface, but before the initiation of a second slip. The results indicate that there are significant gait parameter differences between younger and older individuals. Findings suggest that older individuals require an additional step to properly adjust gait for a contaminated walking surface.
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