Intra-Limb Coordination during Obstacle Crossing over Different Obstacle Heights

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the intra-limb coordination of the lead limb (LL) and trial limb (TL) during obstacle crossing over different heights of obstacle. Methods: Single healthy young female participated in the study. Obstacle crossing characteristics were collected by three dimension motion analysis system. Intra-limb coordination of the lower extremity was plotted with cyclogram. Three different heights (5-cm, 20-cm, and 30-cm) of obstacles crossing and no obstacle condition were performed for assessing the intra-limb coordination patterns. Cyclograms were illustrated for the relationships between two and three joint motions. Data were qualitatively analyzed on illustrations. Results: Without obstacle, cyclograms demonstrated almost the same degree of motion for the hip, knee, and ankle joints between the LL and TL. For obstacle crossing in different obstacle heights, the hip range of motion was required for obstacle crossing in the LL more than the TL. Almost the same degree of knee flexion angle was necessary for both the LL and TL. Alternated ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion occurred in obstacle crossing task. Conclusion: Intra-limb coordination during obstacle crossing altered following height of the obstacle and different patterns existed between the LL and TL.