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This study categorizes the response to asymmetric rhythmic cues into distinct levels of adaptation using changes in their step velocity. Motion capture and force data were collected from healthy individuals undergoing split-belt treadmill and rhythmic cueing interventions. This allowed comparative insights into two distinct adaptation mechanisms (sensorimotor and instructional adaptation) corresponding to the interventions and integration of those findings with trade-off mechanisms within spatiotemporal and kinetic gait parameters. Interlimb gait harmony (corresponding to differences between left and right step velocities) was significantly different between the gait interventions, indicating underlying differences in the dominant adaptation mechanisms driving them. The trade-off mechanisms among step length, swing time, and push-off forces were significantly different (i) between the gait interventions and (ii) between adaptable and non-adaptable subject groups to external rhythmic cues. This suggests that an orthogonal linear relationship between propulsion and either spatial or temporal features may indicate the adaptation mechanism that has a greater contribution towards their motor outcome.
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This content will become publicly available on April 1, 2026
Utilizing Rhythmic Haptic Cueing in Arm Swing Training to Improve Gait Speed Among Older Adults
Purpose: Current gait rehabilitation protocols for older adults typically attempt to effect changes in leg movements, while the role of arm movements is often ignored despite evidence of the neurological coupling of the upper and lower extremities. In the present work, we examine the effectiveness of a novel wearable haptic cueing system that targets arm swing to improve various gait parameters in older adults. Methods: Twenty participants ( M = 73.4 ± 6.2 years) were recruited to analyze their gait during normal and fast walking without haptic cueing. Vibrotactors attached to the arms were then used to give haptic cues that were designed to either increase or decrease arm swing cycle time. The effects of such cueing on gait symmetry and spatiotemporal parameters were then analyzed. Results: The presentation of the haptic cues significantly altered arm swing cycle time, increasing gait speed by 18.2% when arm cycle time was decreased, and a 12.3% decrease in gait speed when arm cycle time was lengthened. The response to haptic cues was immediate, emphasizing the tight coupling of the arm and legs in the production of gait. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed improvements in gait parameters and symmetry metrics, indicating enhanced coordination between limbs when using tactile cues. Subjective evaluations further supported the system’s potential for gait training. Conclusion: The results reveal the significant potential of the haptic cueing system to modulate gait through arm swing manipulation, leveraging interlimb neural coupling. This aligns with the growing need for home-based gait training solutions, particularly for the older population, and presents a novel approach that could be integrated into current gait rehabilitation practices.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2145177
- PAR ID:
- 10627964
- Editor(s):
- NA
- Publisher / Repository:
- Annals of Biomedical Engineering
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Annals of Biomedical Engineering
- Volume:
- 53
- Issue:
- 4
- ISSN:
- 0090-6964
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 855 to 866
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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