The choice of reference point for computing sagittal plane angular momentum affects inferences about dynamic balance

BACKGROUND: Measures of whole-body angular momentum in the sagittal plane are commonly used to characterize dynamic balance during human walking. To compute angular momentum, one must specify a reference point about which momentum is calculated. Although biomechanists primarily compute angular momentum about the center of mass (CoM), momentum-based controllers for humanoid robots often use the center of pressure. Here, we asked if the choice of the reference point influences interpretations of how dynamic balance is controlled in the sagittal plane during perturbed walking. METHODS: Eleven healthy young individuals walked on a dual-belt treadmill at their self-selected speed. Balance disturbances were generated by treadmill accelerations of varying magnitudes and directions. We computed angular momentum about two reference points: (1) the CoM or (2) the leading edge of the base of support and then projected it along the mediolateral axes that pass through either of the reference points as the sagittal plane angular momentum. We also performed principal component analysis to determine if the choice of reference point influences our interpretations of how intersegmental coordination patterns contribute to perturbation recovery. RESULTS: We found that the peak angular momentum was correlated with perturbation amplitude and the slope of this relationship did not differ between reference points. One advantage of using a reference point at the CoM is that one can easily determine how the momenta from contralateral limbs, such as the left and right legs, offset one another to regulate the whole-body angular momentum. Alternatively, analysis of coordination patterns referenced to the leading edge of the base of support may provide more insight into the inverted-pendulum dynamics of walking during responses to sudden losses of balance.