Ground reaction force adaptations during cross-slope walking and running

Though transversely inclined (cross-sloped) surfaces are prevalent, our understanding of the biomechanical adaptations required for cross-slope locomotion is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine ground reaction forces (GRF) in cross-sloped and level walking and running. Nine young adult males walked and ran barefoot along an inclinable walkway in both level (0°) and cross-slope (10°) configurations. The magnitude and time of occurrence of selected features of the GRF were extracted from the force plate data. GRF data were collected in level walking and running (LW and LR), inclined walking and running up-slope (IWU and IRU), and down-slope (IWD and IRD), respectively. The GRF data were then analyzed using repeated measures MANOVA. In the anteroposterior direction, the timing of the peak force values differed across conditions during walking (p = .041), while the magnitude of forces were modified across conditions for running (p = .047). Most significant differences were observed in the mediolateral direction, where generally force values were up to 390% and 530% (p < .001) larger during the cross-slope conditions compared to level for walking and running, respectively. The maximum force peak during running occurred earlier at IRU compared to the other conditions (p ⩽ .031). For the normal axis a significant difference was observed in the first maximum force peak during walking (p = .049). The findings of this study showed that compared to level surfaces, functional adaptations are required to maintain forward progression and dynamic stability in stance during cross-slope walking and running.

► We examined GRF adaptations during cross-slope (10°) walking and running.
► Cross-slope locomotion requires substantial asymmetrical loading.
► Most adaptations were observed in the mediolateral direction to fall prevention.
► Compared to level, mediolateral forces were larger by 390% in cross-slope walking.
► Compared to level, mediolateral forces were larger by 530% in cross-slope running.