Obstacle negotiation characteristics during dynamic task performance on inclined surfaces

Several of the falls occurring at the workplace occur at the same level due to tripping and/or slipping. Strategies used for avoiding trips may be further compromised when the walking surface is inclined and/or elevated in the form of a ramp or rooftop. This study aimed at evaluating the obstacle negotiation strategy between level ground and an inclined surface during normal gait. Kinematic analysis results from four subjects showed the average approach distance as well as the clearance distance of the foot to the obstacle were higher for trials involving carrying of the box than normal walk for both plane walk and ramp walk. This may be indicative of an overcompensation for the obstacle when direct vision of the immediate path of travel is interrupted by a large hand-held object. The approach distance and the clearance was found to be smallest for the upslope ramp walk.. Smaller clearance during the upslope ramp walk is indicative of an increased proximity of the subjects' foot to the obstacle thereby increasing the risk of trip and fall on a graded surface.