Year: 2005
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Humans' ability to recover balance should depend on the size of the base-ofsupport (BOS) between the feet and ground.To test this hypothesis, I conducted experiments where subjects (n=15) were released suddenly from an inclined position by means of a tether and electromagnet, and recovered upright stance using the feet-in-place ankle strategy or mixed (hiplankle) strategy.I varied the size of the available BOS by adjusting the length of a block that the subject stood upon.I found that the maximum angle where subjects were able to recover balance (THETA -MAX) declined from 8.8 to 7.3 deg when BOS decreased from 100% to 75%, and from 7.3 to 5.0 deg when BOS decreased from 75% to 50%.THETA -MAX was 19% larger for the mixed than ankle strategy.However, recovery strategy did not influence the effect of BOS on THETA -MAX.These results confirm that BOS size strongly influences ability to recover balance.Robinovitch, for his guidance and support during my graduate studies, and his encouragement and patience during my thesis writing.He is a true mentor and knowledgeable scholar and I learned a lot from him.Thank you also to my examination committee members (Dr.Ted Milner and Dr. Andy Hoffer
Source: Summit (Simon Fraser University)
Author: Quan Hong
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2164531530