Abstract
'Walking-Mode Maps', based on Slip/Non-Slip criteria, are proposed. Slip/Non-Slip criteria are expressed as follows: • for a slip to occur: |Fh/Fn|h ≥ μs or |F h/Fn|t ≥ μs • for no slip to occur: |Fh/Fn|h < μs or |Fh/Fn|t < μs |F h/Fn|h and |Fh/Fn/ t are the maximum peak value of the traction coefficient at heel-strike and toe-off respectively, and μs is the static friction coefficient between shoe sole and walkway. The 'Walking-Mode Map' for the level-surface shows the possible regime of each walking mode as Slip, Slip possible or No slip. Our results, which are based upon a small population and strictly-specified test conditions, indicate that a static friction coefficient higher than 0.47 will prevent both forward and backward slips under our test conditions and under a range of step lengths of 0.55 to 0.95 m and walking speeds of 1.0 to 1.9 m/s. We also found that shorter steps reduce the chance of a slip. A 'Walking-Mode Map' for inclined-surface ambulation has also been developed. The inclined-surface results show the friction and inclination-angle-related regime of each walking mode: Slip, Forward slip at heel-strike phase in descending, Backward slip at toe-off phase in ascending, or No slip. Again, extreme caution must be taken in generalizing these small-sample results (n=1, for the inclined tests) to the general population.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 23-31 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Industrial Health |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 Jan |
Keywords
- Fall
- Slip
- Static friction coefficient
- Traction coefficient
- Walking-Mode Map
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis