Comparison of the effects of real-time propulsive force versus limb angle gait biofeedback on gait biomechanics

This study explores how real-time feedback on walking can change how people walk. Specifically, it looks at two types of feedback: one that tells people how hard they are pushing off with their leg (propulsive force) and another that tells them how far back their leg is trailing behind their body (trailing limb angle). The researchers wanted to see if giving people feedback on their trailing limb angle could help them increase their propulsive force, which is important for walking faster and more efficiently. They also wanted to compare the effects of these two types of feedback on other aspects of walking, like ankle movement and power. The study found that both types of feedback could help people increase their propulsive force, but they did it in different ways. Trailing limb angle feedback seemed to change the position of the leg, while propulsive force feedback seemed to increase ankle power. This suggests that trailing limb angle could be a useful target for gait biofeedback.

• 1
  Both AGRF and TLA biofeedback induced significant increases in targeted leg peak AGRF and TLA compared to baseline walking.
• 2
  TLA biofeedback induced greater increases in TLA compared to AGRF biofeedback, suggesting it may be superior for modulating targeted leg TLA.
• 3
  AGRF biofeedback increased ankle power generation, while TLA biofeedback did not, suggesting different biomechanical strategies are employed.