Annual Massachusetts Statewide Undergraduate Research Conference (April 2015)

Gait Adaptation on a Portable and Passive Split-Belt Treadmill

Brian J. Young¹, Frank Sup^1,2 and Julia T. Choi¹

Departments of ¹Kinesiology and ²Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Walking requires precise coordination of movement between two legs. Interlimb coordination is often disrupted after damage to the central nervous system (e.g., stroke), resulting in walking patterns that are slowed, asymmetric and inefficient. Previous studies have shown that training with powered split-belt treadmills can lead to a more symmetric walking pattern post-adaptation in stroke subjects. The focus of this study is to test a novel gait training platform (1st generation passive split-belt treadmill) that could drive adaptation of walking symmetry. We examined healthy adults (18-40 yrs old) walking on a passive split-belt treadmill (no motors to drive the belt). The adaptation phase on the passive split-belt treadmill lasted for 5 minutes. To evaluate the presence of after-effects, participants walked over-ground before and after the adaptation phase on the passive split- belt treadmill. Motion capture, electromyography, and force platform data were recorded in all trials. Adaptation was measured by changes in spatial and temporal gait parameters (e.g., step length, stance time, swing time), joint kinematics (e.g., hip, knee, ankle angle) and leg muscle activations (e.g., EMG). The results will inform about the potential for using the passive split-belt treadmill as a rehabilitation tool. The passive split-belt would be a more affordable option compared to a powered split-belt treadmill. Having access to rehabilitation in the home is important and would allow patients to continue training for longer periods of time and maximize gait improvements.