MEASURING SLIPPERINESS - HUMAN LOCOMOTION AND SURFACE FACTORS. CHAPTER 3. BIOMECHANICS OF SLIPS

The biomechanics of slips are an important component in the prevention of fall-related injuries. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature on the biomechanics of gait relevant to slips. This knowledge can be used to develop slip resistance testing methodologies and to determine critical differences in human behaviour between slips leading to recovery and those resulting in falls. Ground reaction forces at the shoe-floor interface have been extensively studied and are probably the most critical biomechanical factor in slips. The ratio of the shear to normal foot forces generated during gait, known as the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) during normal locomotion on dry surfaces or 'friction used/achievable' during slips, has been one biomechanical variable most closely associated with the measured frictional properties of the shoe/floor interface (usually the coefficient of friction or COF). Other biomechanical factors that also play an important role are the kinematics of the foot at heel contact and human responses to slipping perturbations, often evident in the moments generated at the lower extremity joints and postural adaptations. In addition, it must be realised that the biomechanics are dependent upon the capabilities of the postural control system, the mental set of the individual, and the perception of the environment, particularly, the danger of slipping. The focus of this paper is to review what is known regarding the kinematics and kinetics of walking on surfaces under a variety of environmental conditions. Finally, we discuss future biomechanical research needs to help to improve walkway-friction measurements and safety. (A) For the covering abstract see ITRD E117215.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0415298288
• Corporate Authors:

  Taylor & Francis

  4 Park Square, Milton Park
  Abingdon,   United Kingdom  OX14 4RN
• Authors:
  • COURTNEY, T K
  • REDFERN, M
  • CHAM, R
  • GIELO-PERCZAK, K
  • GROENQVIST, R
  • HIRVONEN, M
  • LANSHAMMAR, H
  • MARPET, M
  • PAI, CY-C
  • POWERS, C
• Publication Date: 2003

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 37-65
• Serial:
  • Publication of: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Anthropometry; Anthropometry; Biophysics; Posture; Surfacing; Walking
• ITRD Terms: 2060: Biomechanics; 2055: Human body; 2094: Posture; 2972: Surfacing; 758: Walking
• Subject Areas: Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00943160
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• ISBN: 0-415-29828-8
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jun 11 2003 12:00AM