Presentation
Effects of Cognitive Dual-Tasking, Anticipatory Gait, and Reactive Gait on Neuromuscular Control in Treadmill Walking
DescriptionThis study investigated how cognitive dual-tasking, anticipatory gait, and reactive gait influence gait neuromuscular control (GNmC) during treadmill walking. Twenty-four healthy young adults completed six walking conditions: baseline and cognitive dual-task walking at preferred walking speed and fixed speed, anticipatory gait (expecting a perturbation), and reactive gait (post-slip recovery). Surface electromyography from trunk and lower-limb muscles and ground reaction forces were collected. Muscle synergies were extracted using non-negative matrix factorization to quantify GNmC complexity, structure, and timing. Variance accounted for and cosine similarity metrics assessed differences across conditions.
Across all conditions, four synergy modules explained over 90% of total variance, indicating a stable low-dimensional control structure. Module 1, associated with the loading phase, remained structurally consistent across conditions. In contrast, Module 2, associated with push-off, showed structural differences when speed constraints were imposed and following reactive perturbations. Temporal similarity analyses revealed significant timing differences across all comparisons, suggesting widespread modulation
of activation timing.
Overall, results indicate that increased cognitive and physical demands primarily alter the timing of muscle activation while maintaining core synergy structure. These findings highlight how locomotor control adapts to real-world challenges, such as divided attention and unexpected perturbations, offering insights relevant to fall risk and occupational safety.
Across all conditions, four synergy modules explained over 90% of total variance, indicating a stable low-dimensional control structure. Module 1, associated with the loading phase, remained structurally consistent across conditions. In contrast, Module 2, associated with push-off, showed structural differences when speed constraints were imposed and following reactive perturbations. Temporal similarity analyses revealed significant timing differences across all comparisons, suggesting widespread modulation
of activation timing.
Overall, results indicate that increased cognitive and physical demands primarily alter the timing of muscle activation while maintaining core synergy structure. These findings highlight how locomotor control adapts to real-world challenges, such as divided attention and unexpected perturbations, offering insights relevant to fall risk and occupational safety.
Event Type
Lecture
TimeTuesday, October 20th1:50pm - 2:10pm PDT
Location
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