DYNAMIC BALANCE OF THE SUPPORTING LEG DURING UNILATERAL OBSTACLE CROSSING IN YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Walking biomechanics, especially during tasks requiring postural adjustments such as obstacle navigation, present complex neural and mechanical challenges. Successful obstacle negotiation relies on anticipatory locomotor adjustments and precise dynamic balance control. The present study investigates dynamic balance during unilateral obstacle crossing by examining center of mass behavior and its relationship to the center of pressure across obstacle heights from 0 to 60 cm. Specifically, it evaluates the COM–COP inclination angle and the supporting-leg COM velocity to characterize anticipatory locomotor adjustments and determine potential differences between right and left support limbs. We hypothesize that (A) the COM–COP IA will increase in forward–backward and decrease in side-to-side directions as obstacle height increases, and (B) COM velocity components will vary systematically with higher obstacles. We further propose that lateralization effects may emerge, with inter-limb differences becoming more pronounced at greater heights. This research aims to improve the understanding of adaptive gait strategies.