Effects of physical and cognitive load on gait stability

Abstract

The aim of this project is to determine the effects of physical load and cognitive load on the human gait stability. 13 healthy young males of various height and weight participated in the experiment, which consisted of 6 different protocols, required to be completed in a day’s session. Results for the step width, step length and step variability were the main concern in this study. A comparison was made among the 72 selected observations that were acquired and it was found that both loading and cognitive conditions have adverse effects on the step width and step width variability, indicating a higher risk of falls. The conclusions derived from this project will definitely serve well to the future researchers and engineers, especially those who are working on the field of human factors and ergonomics, to understand causes and effects of postural instability and in developing interventions to minimize fall risks especially among the elderly, school children and soldiers.