Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the displacements of center of pressure (COP) and center of gravity (COG) in anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) during multi-direction gait initiation (GI). [Subjects] Twenty healthy young adults participated in this study. [Methods] Kinetic and kinematic variables were collected during GI for five conditions: forward, left 30°, right 30°, right 90°, backward. The subjects initiated multi-directional GI with their right lower limbs. The variables were measured using the Vicon system and an AMTI force platform. [Results] Mediolateral (M-L) and anteroposterior (A-P) displacement of COP and acceleration of COG were significantly different depending on the direction of GI. [Conclusion] These results suggest that displacement of both COP and COG in APAs are important for control of step direction.
