Publication Date:
2011-06-23
Description:
In this study, we checked experimentally whether anterior–posterior accelerations of the head during quiet human stance are usually below or above known thresholds of the otolith sensor. Thereto, we measured head kinematics with high spatial resolution. Furthermore, we used both these experimental data and computer simulations of two double inverted pendulum (DIP) models in order to verify the validity of DIP models in general. The results are clear cut. First, not only are acceleration thresholds regularly exceeded about once a second but also are velocity thresholds exceeded, albeit probably less frequently. Second, COM and head movement predicted by interwoven DIP model dynamics can not reproduce the mean measured amplitudes at once. Thus, neither the formerly promoted single inverted pendulum nor any DIP model can causally explain the dynamics of quiet human stance. Instead, we suggest to factor in at least three mechanical degrees of freedom. Due to a couple of reasons discussed, the triple inverted pendulum (TIP) model seems to be a promising abstraction implying potential to better understand the dynamics of quiet human stance. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00419-011-0559-3 Authors Michael Günther, Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Lehrstuhl für Bewegungswissenschaft, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Seidelstrasse 20, 07749 Jena, Germany Otto Müller, Dekanat der Medizinschen Fakultät, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany Reinhard Blickhan, Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Lehrstuhl für Bewegungswissenschaft, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Seidelstrasse 20, 07749 Jena, Germany Journal Archive of Applied Mechanics Online ISSN 1432-0681 Print ISSN 0939-1533
Print ISSN:
0939-1533
Electronic ISSN:
1432-0681
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
