A Dynamical Systems Approach to Understanding the Development of Lower Limb Coordination in Locomotion

A dynamical systems approach is pursued for understanding the development of lower limb coordination in locomotion. Following the synergetic strategy proposed by Kelso and Schoner (1988), we sought first a collective variable to describe the lower limb action. We report here on our work to identify this collective variable. For interlimb and intralimb coordination, we propose that the phase lag relationship is an appropriate candidate for the collective variable. Whether this variable is measured at selected points (i.e., point coordination) or is measured throughout the gait cycle (i.e., continuous coordination) depends on the questions asked. With the collective variable identified, future work is directed to mapping the collective variable onto an attractor. Preliminary evidence suggests that a periodic attractor would be suitable.