KINEMATIC METHODS FOR QUANTIFYING LOSS OF BALANCE WHILE NEGOTIATING ACURVED PATH ON A SLIPPERY SURFACE

Ten healthy industrial workers were recruited to perform a gait test f or this study. The workers were required to negotiate straight and tur ning paths on dry and very slippery surfaces. Seven variables that qua ntify loss of balance during single stance were used to assess the pot ential of loss of balance when negotiating the different paths on slip pery surfaces. These variables included measure of the distance of the whole body center of gravity (COG) deviated from the supporting base, slide distance, slide direction, and turning radius. Using these vari ables, it was possible to biomechanically conclude that negotiating a curved path on a slippery surface was the most difficult task, with th e highest potential of loss of balance and fall. The direction most su bjects' feet slid was 52 to 60 degrees in the lateral direction. This study provides range of COF values in the lateral direction between th e shoe-floor interface for preventing slip when negotiating a curved p ath.