Biomechanics of a Micro-Slip

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the differences in common biomechanical measures for slips not leading to falls, particularly micro-slips (heel displacement less than 30 mm). Thirty-one participants ranging in age from 18-67 years old performed walking trials at three gait speeds over three floor surfaces with substantially different coefficients of friction. The magnitude of heel displacement was significantly affected by floor surface and gait velocity. Trials were categorized by heel displacement (non-slip, micro-slip, slide) and then biomechanical measures were calculated. Findings of the present study indicated that biomechanical measures differed significantly for all three of the slip categories. Although micro-slips are not generally perceived by the individual, biomechanically they differ from normal walking and should be investigated further to understand the conditions that cause a fall to occur after a slip.