[Effects of mechanic stimulation of the foot support zones on locomotion kinematics during 7-day dry immersion]

Abstract

The dry immersion experiment involved two groups of test volunteers. In one group, the volunteers were subjected to nothing else but immersion; in the other, foot support zones of the immersed volunteers were given daily mechanic stimulation. Evaluated were kinematics of normal locomotion during a series of test walks along rigid surface at a rate of 90 steps per a minute. The results of testing brought to the conclusion that the rates of mechanic foot stimulation applied in the experiment did not change energy expenditure in the joints; however, they moderated the amplitude of angular knee joint movements following 7 days in immersion.