Changes in acceleration and deceleration factors associated with active gait speed adjustment.

[Purpose] The ability to actively adjust walking speed is fundamental and the factors enabling it should be assessed. The present study aimed to demonstrate how active gait speed is kinematically adjusted. [Participants and Methods] Walking acceleration and deceleration were evaluated in 16 healthy adults using three-axis accelerometers and surface electromyographs.

Evaluating the immediate effect of the speed alteration task on walking stability using the Timed Up and Go test.

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate how the speed alteration task, which gradually increases or conversely decreases walking speed, affected walking stability. [Participants and Methods] Thirteen healthy young adults performed two walking tasks as follows: the speed alteration task, in which the walking speed was gradually increased or decreased, and the speed constant task, in which the walking speed was maintained at a comfortable level. Before and after each task, the Timed Up and Go test was performed to analyze time, walking speed, and trajectory.