Timing of preparatory landing responses as a function of availability of optic flow information

This study investigated temporal patterns of EMG activity during self-initiated falls with different optic flow information ('gaze directions'). Onsets of EMG during the flight phase were monitored from five experienced volunteers that completed 72 landings in three gaze directions (downward, mid-range and horizontal) and six heights of fall (10-130 cm). EMG recordings were obtained from the right gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris and rectus femoris muscles, and used to determine the latency of onset (Lo) and the perceived time to contact (Tc). Impacts at touchdown were also monitored using as estimates the major peak of the vertical ground reaction forces (Fmax) normalized to body mass, time to peak (Tmax), peak impulse (Inorm) normalized to momentum, and rate of change of force (dFmax/dt). Results showed that Lo was longer as heights of fall increased, but remained within a narrow time-window at >50 cm landings. No significant differences in Lo were observed when gaze direction was changed. The relationship between Tc and flight time followed a linear trend regardless of gaze direction. Gaze direction did not significantly affect the landing impacts. In conclusion, availability of optic flow during landing does not play a major role in triggering the preparatory muscle actions in self-initiated falls. Once a structured landing plan has been acquired, the relevant muscles respond relative to the start of the fall.