Prediction of Peak Utilized Coefficient of Friction Requirements during Walking Based on Center of Mass Kinematics

Slips are a leading cause of falls. (Manning, Ayers et al. 1988; Bentley and Haslam 1998) In the work environment, slipping has been identified as the primary antecedent event to falls on both stairs and level surfaces. (Bentley and Haslam 1998) Among community dwelling elderly, slips contributed to 38% and 17% of falls experienced by men and women, respectively. (Berg, Alessio et al. 1997) In one epidemiological study, slips accounted for greater than 20% of fall-related hip fractures in older adults.(Nyberg, Gustafson et al. 1996) The potential for slip related falls and injuries in both the work (Bentley and Haslam 1998) and home (Berg, Alessio et al. 1997) environment underscores the importance of developing a greater understanding of biomechanical factors that contribute to slip onset.