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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-08-2020 | Anxiety | Original Article

Control of landing under conditions of height-induced threat

Authors: Bénédicte Schepens, M. John Luu, Mark G. Carpenter

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 8/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Landing involves a tuned anticipatory control to allow for soft and safe contact with the ground. Fearful situations are known to affect postural control strategies during standing, but it is still unclear how fear interferes with the control of a voluntary dynamic task requiring coordination between posture and movement.

Methods

Ground reaction forces, limb movements, physiological arousal, and perceived levels of confidence and fear of falling were recorded when hopping off a box to a platform situated 0.8 m above ground and 3.2 m above ground.

Results

Height induced a perceived threat as arousal was augmented by the elevated surface for all subjects. Threat induced by height modifies the way participants land, leading to a stiffer landing, as evidenced by an increased loading rate at touchdown during high threat conditions. Greater psychological and physiological changes are associated with greater changes in the control of landing: individuals that are less confident/more fearful appear to compensate for this stiffer landing, by slowing down their landing.

Conclusion

Threatening conditions induces a harder contact to the ground, but the strategy is dependent of the level of confidence/fear. Less confident/more fearful participants are more focused on coping strategy and adopt a more cautious behaviour.

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Title: Control of landing under conditions of height-induced threat
Authors: Bénédicte Schepens
M. John Luu
Mark G. Carpenter
Publication date: 01-08-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Anxiety
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 8/2020
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04413-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Control of landing under conditions of height-induced threat

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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