Abstract
The recordings from a stepping test using the two-dimensional center of gravity of body sway were analyzed by means of a kinetogravicorder. This was done in order to study kinetic equilibrium function. This stepping test is a well-known method to demonstrate the laterality of labyrinthine function disturbance.
Various rhythm loads were given during this stepping movement. Right handed and left handed subjects were selected for observation in order to see the influence on the movement of their limbs
A locus of the center of gravity of body sway was resolved into X components (right-left movement) and Y components (forward and backward movement). A study was also made on the duration of contact and that of swing in comparison with that of stride.
The contact duration is readily affected by visual or rhythm loading. It was then considered that the contact duration has a factor that is readily influenced by programming the higher center in a man's stepping movement. On the other hand, swing duration is always resistant to change from rhythm or visual loadings, revealing a constant value. Since it has a constant value, it was considered that the swing duration is under the influence of a simple reflex that is said to be located in the spinal cord or at the level of the cerebellum. Moreover, the right-left difference was noted in the swing phase and we consider this as unilateral dominant laterality.
