A Physiologically-Based Approach to Study Different Types of Locomotion in Association with Core Performance

Good posture and strong core muscles are essential for most athletic movements, but also for everyday activities. Among them, walking and running require lumbo-pelvic stability and mobility for efficient movement and high-level performace. This is especially important during a large range of trunk motions when changing the direction of movement, an abrupt walk to run transition, or extreme uphill and downhill walking or running. Such repetitive trunk loading over time can contribute to occurence of back problems and lower limb injuries. To avoid these unwanted effects, a novel approach to studying the physiology of locomotion in relation to spine motion and balance function is required. This can provide a basis for designing exercise programs specifically tailored for competitive athletes, the healthy general population, as well as those suffering from movement disorders.

So far, much effort has been devoted to investigating the biomechanical and physiological variations of locomotion, including walking, running, swimming or hopping. However, a surprising gap in the evidence is to what extent core strength contributes to effective locomotor performance and a healthy back. Studying the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the control of postural and core stability, with special reference to locomotion, is therefore of great importance.

Within this Research Topic, contributions (reviews, original articles, etc.) which address the following areas of research, are welcomed:

- The association of walking and running with the spine motion and balance function
- Locomotor balance control in individuals of different age and physical fitness
- Motion of the spine during walking/running
- Center of pressure displacements during walking/running
- The influence of stance position on step initiation
- Physiological aspects of the transition between walking and running
- Energy expenditure of straight line and change of direction walking/running
- Fatigue induced changes in core/postural stability and gait patterns following various exercises
- Neurophysiological adaptations to core stabilization and/or locomotor training
- Laboratory and field-based physiological testing of core and locomotor performance.

Topic Editor Tomas Maly is the holder of 2 domestic and 1 International EU patents for a device for lower extremity muscle force measurement in isokinetic movement conditions and the procedure for the measurement carried out on the device.