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The Role of Center of Mass Kinematics in Predicting Peak Utilized Coefficient of Friction During Walking *
Author(s) -
Burnfield Judith M.,
Powers Christopher M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2007.00549.x
Subject(s) - kinematics , slipping , slip (aerodynamics) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , center of pressure (fluid mechanics) , coefficient of friction , context (archaeology) , ground reaction force , anthropometry , gait , biomechanics , poison control , mathematics , orthodontics , simulation , mechanics , geology , materials science , medicine , engineering , physics , geometry , anatomy , classical mechanics , composite material , paleontology , environmental health , aerodynamics , aerospace engineering
Slips frequently occur when the friction required between the foot and floor exceeds available surface slip resistance. To date, the ability to identify variables that predict an individual’s friction needs during walking, or utilized coefficient of friction (COF U ), remains limited. Understanding COF U in the context of pedestrian/walkway accidents is important as individuals who demonstrate higher COF U are at a greater risk of slipping. This study determined if whole body center of mass (CM) kinematics were predictive of peak COF U during walking. Ground reaction forces and kinematic data were recorded simultaneously as subjects walked. Stepwise regression analysis determined that the combination of the subject’s CM‐to‐center‐of‐pressure angle and CM anterior (i.e., forward) velocity predicted 62% of the variance in peak COF U during weight acceptance ( p < 0.001). The identified relationships between CM kinematics and peak COF U provide insight into how gait and individual anthropometric characteristics may increase risk for slip initiation.