Foot Operation of Controls

Abstract

The literature pertaining to foot operation of controls is reviewed and a new experiment reported. Published experimental results clarify only some isolated aspects of leg and foot motions. Even the relatively often investigated speed of operating pedals and forces that can be applied to them, were studied under such different experimental conditions that no general statements are possible concerning what pedal can be operated most quickly or forcibly. Opinions about the advantages and dis advantages of hand versus foot operation seem not generally based on experimental findings. In an experiment, 20 seated young adult male subjects moved their right foot as rapidly as possible over distances of 15 cm to circular targets. The direction of these discrote movements had no appreciable effect on the accuracy of motion. Forward motions of the vertical or almost vertical lower leg were slightly faster than backward or lateral motions of the elevated lower leg. All motions could be performed in about 0-1 seconds.