Multifractality of Unperturbed and Asymmetric Locomotion

The purpose of this study was to explore the extent of multifractality in unperturbed and constrained locomotion, and to determine if multifractality predicted gait adaptability. Young, healthy participants (n = 15) walked at preferred and slow speeds, as well as asymmetrically (one leg at half speed) on a split-belt treadmill. Stride time multifractality was assessed via local detrended fluctuation analysis, which evaluates the evolution of fluctuations both spatially and temporally. Unperturbed walking exhibited monofractal behavior. Asymmetric walking displayed greater multifractality in the faster moving limb, indicating more intermittent periods of extreme high or low variance. Multifractality was not associated with adaptation to asymmetric walking. These findings further suggest that unperturbed locomotion is monofractal and establish that perturbed walking yields multifractal behavior.