Perturbation Data Set

This data set was created to investigate balance and recovery strategies in response to ground translation perturbations during human walking. In this study, we varied perturbation magnitude, direction, and onset time. We collected data from 11 participants walking at 1.25 m/s. For a full overview of our experimental paradigm and methods, please see our Leestma et al., Journal of Experimental Biology (2023) paper.


The currently published data set contains only data that was used in our paper. However, we collected and are currently processing additional data that was part of this experimental collection – we plan to add this additional data to this data set after we have completed the processing. Below, we list the data that is included and data that will be added at a later date.

Currently included in this data set

  • Whole-body angular momentum (WBAM)
    • Planes include frontal, sagittal, and transverse
    • Unnormalized and normalized (to height, weight, and walking speed)
  • Markers
    • Pelvis (RASIS, LASIS, RPSIS, LPSIS)
    • Feet (medial/lateral ankle, heel, MT2, MT5, toe)
    • Platform (5 markers on walking/perturbation platform)
  • Step placement
    • Heel marker to heel marker continuous distance
    • Planes include frontal and sagittal
  • Ground reaction forces
    • Left and right vertical GRF
download the data set here

Data that will be added to this data set

We are currently in the process of validating and organizing the following data, which will eventually be incorporated into the existing data set.  If you have a more immediate desire to use any of the data below that has yet to be incorporated into the data set, please reach out to Jennifer Leestma (jleestma@gatech.edu).

  • Whole-body angular momentum (WBAM)
    • Individual segment contributions to WBAM
  • Markers
    • Complete full body marker set
  • Ground reaction forces
    • Raw ground reaction forces
    • Corrected ground reaction forces (inertial compensation and corrected center of pressure)
  • Inverse kinematics
    • Full body inverse kinematics
  • Inverse dynamics
    • Full body inverse dynamics
  • Muscle activations
    • Bilateral electromyography (EMG) data included for:
      • Tibialis anterior
      • Medial gastrocnemius
      • Adductor magnus
      • Tensor fasciae latae
      • Rectus femoris
      • Biceps femoris
      • Gluteus medius
      • Gluteus maximus