Treadmill perturbations
Treadmill perturbations has been studied in 2 papers since 2022: 1 observational study in people, 1 review. The newest paper, Jan 9, 2025: “Treadmill belt accelerations may not accurately replicate kinematic responses to tripping on an obstacle in older people”.
2 papers study it3 findingsUpdated
“Rates of falls following the treadmill accelerations and walkway trips were 0% and 13.1%, respectively.”
None of its findings points the other way.
- 2 independent labs in 2 countries
- Funder: Parkinson's UK
- Humans1
What did studies of Treadmill perturbations find?
2Studies of Treadmill perturbations measured 2 outcomes; the most studied are recovery step length (1 study) and foot placement recovery response variability (1).
Recovery step length
downin humans1
1 study
Recovery step length
downin humans1
Treadmill perturbations decrease recovery step length in humans (P<0.05).
“recovery step lengths, toe clearance, maximum trunk, hip and knee angles (P<0.05) were smaller during recovery on the treadmill compared to the walkway.”
Human trial8 m s-2n = 38
PloS one
Foot placement recovery response variability
downin humans1
1 study
Foot placement recovery response variability
downin humans1
Treadmill perturbations decrease foot placement recovery response variability in humans.
“Foot placement recovery responses varied less for both perturbation directions on a treadmill compared to over-ground.”
Review
Gait & posture
What is Treadmill perturbations linked with?
1Studies link Treadmill perturbations with 1 measure, most often accidental falls (1 study).
Accidental falls
downin humans1
1 study
Accidental falls
downin humans1
Treadmill perturbations lower the risk of accidental falls in humans (0% vs 13.1%).
“Rates of falls following the treadmill accelerations and walkway trips were 0% and 13.1%, respectively.”
Human trial8 m s-2n = 38
PloS one