Effect of lower limb dominance on walking adaptations in young adults when stepping into a hole

Abstract

Background. Depending on the dimensions of a hole, the characteristics of the walking surface, and the position of the hole relative to normal walking, individuals may need to step into the hole with the dominant or non-dominant limb. Aim. We investigated the effect of the lower limb dominance in walking adaptations in the presence of a hole on the ground. Methods: Twenty young adults walked and stepped into a hole positioned in the middle of the pathway using the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs. Results. For the trailing limb, the impulses were not affected by the lower limb dominance, but for the leading limb, the non-dominant leg increased the braking and propulsive impulses compared to the dominant leg. On the other hand, toe-off velocity increased when the non-dominant leg was used as trailing and leading limbs. Stride speed increased when the non-dominant leg was the trailing limb. Interpretation. Our results were consistent with asymmetrical behavior between dominant and non-dominant legs. Although the differences between the dominant and non-dominant legs have not affected the success in the task, they can put the individual at higher risk of stumbling and consequently a fall when stepping with the non-dominant leg into the hole.