Effect of Whole Body Com Velocity on Friction Demand

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate relationships among walking velocity, heel contact velocity, and friction demand. Particularly, the study attempted to ask if two age groups (younger and older groups) differed in walking velocity and heel contact velocity, and how these gait parameters influenced friction demand characteristics in two age groups. 14 younger (7 females and 7 males, 18 to 30 years old) and 14 older (7 females and 7 males, over 65 years old) adults participated in the study. Kinematic and kinetic data were measured using 6 infrared cameras and 2 force plates mounted on the walking track. The primary goal of the study was to evaluate if walking velocity (whole body COM velocity) and heel contact velocity with advancing age influenced friction demand characteristics. The results indicated that older adults walked slower, exhibited lower heel contact velocity, and produced lower friction demand in comparison to younger adults. The study suggested that walking velocity could be a good indicator for predicting friction demand characteristics.