title: Vertical adaptation of the center of mass in human running on uneven ground.
abstract: In running we are frequently confronted with different kinds of disturbances. Some require quick reactions and adaptations while others, like moderate changes in ground level, can be compensated passively. Monitoring the kinematics of the runner's center of mass (CoM) in such situations can reveal what global locomotion control strategies humans use and can help to distinguish between active and passive compensation methods. In this study single and permanent upward steps of 10 cm as well as drops of the same height were used as mechanical disturbances and the adaptations in the vertical oscillation of the runners CoM were analyzed. We found that runners visually perceiving uneven ground ahead substantially adapted their CoM in preparation by lifting it about 50% of step height or lowering it by about 40% of drop height, respectively. After contact on the changed ground level different adaptations depending on the situation occur. For persisting changes the adaptation to the elevated ground is completed after the first step on the new level. For single steps part of the adaptation takes place while returning to the ground. The consistent adaptations for the different situations support the idea that controlling the CoM by adapting leg parameters is a general control principle in running.
authors.affiliation: Motion Science, Institute of Sport Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Seidelstrasse 20, 07749 Jena, Germany; Institute of Solid Mechanics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Schleinitzstrasse 20, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany. Electronic address: michael.ernst@uni-jena.de.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ernst
authors.affiliation: Motion Science, Institute of Sport Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Seidelstrasse 20, 07749 Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Götze
authors.affiliation: Motion Science, Institute of Sport Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Seidelstrasse 20, 07749 Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.affiliation: Motion Science, Institute of Sport Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Seidelstrasse 20, 07749 Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Blickhan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000502:physiology; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D009991:Oscillometry; D004856:Postural Balance; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Biomechanics; Center of mass; Human locomotion; Locomotion control; Sacrum marker method