The impact of crossable danger tactile ground indicators on the center of mass and reaction forces during walking of healthy sighted subjects.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze the kinematic and kinetic effects of tactile ground indicators in M-PVC-P technopolimer on gait in healthy sighted people to determine their potential as passive haptic alert systems. METHODS: Sixteen healthy individuals walked across two tactile codes, "crossable danger" and "attention" codes, as well as a straight tactile paving (control). Gait kinematics and kinetics were measured with a stereophotogrammetric motion capture system and dynamometric platforms. The center of mass displacement and ground reaction forces were investigated and statistically compared. RESULTS: Walking over both tactile codes resulted in a significant increase in medio-lateral center of mass displacement compared to the control path. The vertical ground reaction force and its two peaks were much lower on tactile codes, indicating a more cautious and adaptable stride pattern. The "attention" code reduced antero-posterior force displacement and increased medio-lateral displacement. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical disturbances caused by tactile ground indicators affect gait dynamics in healthy individuals, activating postural control mechanisms. These findings show that tactile surfaces could be used as low-cost haptic alert systems to improve pedestrian awareness, particularly among smartphone-distracted walkers.