Health experts explain the science behind ‘walking like a penguin’ to prevent slips on icy paths

As temperatures plunged to below -13C in some parts of Scotland, health experts from Glasgow Caledonian University spoke to STV News to explain the science behind “walking like a penguin” to prevent slips and trips.

An STV News film crew visited the School of Health and Life Sciences Research Centre for Health (ReaCH) Musculoskeletal Research Group leads Dr Gordon Hendry and Dr David Hamilton on campus yesterday after NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde produced a video appeal for people to “walk like a penguin” to prevent slipping on icy paths.

Dr Hendry shared his expertise on why walking like a penguin actually works and appeared on the STV News at Six programme and STV News online – you can watch the story here - https://news.stv.tv/scotland/how-can-walking-like-a-penguin-save-you-from-slipping-on-ice

During the TV interview in the Human Performance Lab, Dr Hendry said: “When there is no friction in the ground, the ideal way of getting around is by altering the way that your foot hits the ground.

“You put your bodyweight over the planted limb and we can test that quite nicely using this motion capture system.

“If you just think ‘I am going to walk the way a penguin walks’, it is a much simpler message, it is much easier to remember.”

Dr Hamilton added: “The penguin walk is excellent advice for adapting to icy conditions. This advice has been used for decades in places like Canada and it’s based on sound biomechanical principles.

“The human body is remarkable and unbelievably versatile. It might look and feel silly, but this adaptation to unsafe conditions is sensible and works. If it works, it really isn’t silly at all.

“Falls are a serious health concern especially for older adults and people with underlying health conditions. Many people will stay indoors during icy conditions which is sensible. For those who don’t have that choice, the ‘penguin walk’ can reduce risk of serious injuries.”