scholarly journals Immediate Effects of an Agility Exercise (Repetitive Opening and Closing Movements of the Lower Limbs) on Walking Speed

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-282
Author(s):  
Hiroaki YAMAMOTO ◽  
Ryoma IRABU
Keyword(s):  
Walking Speed ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Opening And Closing

scholarly journals Myofascial Release of the Hamstrings Improves Physical Performance—A Study of Young Adults

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 674
Author(s):  
Keisuke Itotani ◽  
Kanta Kawahata ◽  
Wakana Takashima ◽  
Wakana Mita ◽  
Hitomi Minematsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Joint Movement ◽  
Myofascial Release ◽  
Functional Reach Test ◽  
Hamstring Flexibility ◽  
Walking Speeds

Physical performance is mainly assessed in terms of gait speed, chair rise capacity, and balance skills, and assessments are often carried out on the lower limbs. Such physical performance is largely influenced by the strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles. Flexibility of the hamstrings is important because quadriceps muscle activity influences the hip flexion angle. Therefore, hamstring flexibility is essential to improve physical performance. In this study, Myofascial Release (MFR) was applied to the hamstrings to evaluate its effects. MFR on the hamstrings was performed on 17 young adults. Physical function and physical performance were measured before, immediately after, and 5 days after the MFR intervention: finger floor distance (FFD), range of motion (ROM) of the straight leg raising test (SLR), standing long jump (SLJ), squat jump (SJ), functional reach test (FRT), comfortable walking speeds (C-walking speed), and maximum walking speeds (M-walking speed). The results of the analysis show a significant increase in FFD (−2.6 ± 8.9 vs. 0.4 ± 9.4 vs. 2.4 ± 8.9, p < 0.01), SLJ (185.6 ± 44.5 vs. 185.0 ± 41.8 vs. 196.6 ± 40.1, p < 0.01), and M-walking speed (2.9 ± 0.6 vs. 3.0 ± 0.6 vs. 3.3 ± 0.6, p < 0.01). This study has shown that MFR for hamstrings not only improves flexibility but also increases M-walking speed and physical performance of the SLJ. As MFR is safe and does not involve joint movement, it may be useful for maintaining and improving performance and flexibility during inactivity and for stretching before exercise.

scholarly journals Plantar Pressure Differences Between Nordic Walking Techniques

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 221-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Encarnación-Martínez ◽  
Ángel Gabriel Lucas-Cuevas ◽  
Pedro Pérez-Soriano ◽  
Ruperto Menayo ◽  
Gemma María Gea-García
Keyword(s):  
Plantar Pressure ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Pressure Data ◽  
Nordic Walking ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Practical Conclusion ◽  
Physiological Benefits

AbstractHigh plantar pressure has been associated with increased risk of injury. The characteristics of each physical activity determine the load on the lower limbs. The influence of Nordic Walking (NW) technique on plantar pressure is still unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences between plantar pressure during NW with the Diagonal technique (DT) versus Alpha technique (AT) and compare them with the pressure obtained during normal walking (W). The normality and sphericity of the plantar pressure data were checked before performing a two-way repeated measures ANOVA in order to find differences between speeds (preferred, fast) and the gait (NW, W) as within-subject factors. Then, a t-test for independent measures was used to identify the specific differences between NW techniques. The strength of the differences was calculated by means of the effect size (ES). The results demonstrated that during NW with AT at preferred speed the pressure was lower under the Calcaneus, Lateral Metatarsal and Toes compared to the DT group (p = 0.046, ES = 1.49; p = 0.015, ES = 1.44; p = 0.040, ES = 1.20, respectively). No differences were found at the fast speed (p > 0.05). Besides the increase in walking speed during NW (p < 0.01), both technique groups showed lower pressure during NW compared to W under the Hallux and Central Metatarsal heads (F = 58.321, p = 0.000, ES = 2.449; F = 41.917, p = 0.012, ES = 1.365, respectively). As a practical conclusion, the AT technique may be the most effective of the NW techniques at reducing plantar pressure while allowing NW practitioners to achieve the physiological benefits of NW.

scholarly journals Association between walking and strength of lower limbs after chronic stroke

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-138
Author(s):  
Brenno Belchior Cordeiro Silva ◽  
Iza de Faria-Fortini ◽  
Pollyana Helena Vieira Costa ◽  
Camila Torriani-Pasin ◽  
Janaine Cunha Polese
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Chronic Stroke ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Average Strength ◽  
Paretic Side ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Muscle Groups

Certain muscle groups strength directly influence walking speed (WS), and the lower strength of the paretic side is significantly associated with lower WS of individuals after stroke. Studies that have investigated the association between the average of lower limb strength and the WS in individuals are scarce. Therefore, it is important to determine whether the strength could explain walking performance due to some muscle weakness could be compensated by the strength of others, mainly because all muscles act in group, not isolated. Objective: To investigate the association between WS and lower limbs muscle strength, and to identify whether an individual muscle group or the average strength of lower limb would best predict WS and walking speed reserve (WSR) in individuals with stroke. Methods: Sixty-four community-dwelling individuals with chronic stroke have their maximum isometric strength (hip flexors/extensors/abductors, knee flexors/extensors, and ankle dorsiflexors/plantarflexors) and self-selected and fast WS (10m walk test) measured. WSR was considered as the difference between the fast and self-selected speed. Results: Average strength of the paretic limb accounted for 19% and 20% of the variance in self-selected and fast WS, respectively. Plantarflexor strength of the paretic, knee and hip flexors of the non-paretic side explained alone 27% of the WSR scores and plantarflexor strength of the paretic side alone explained 15%.Conclusion: Average muscle strength of the paretic side contributed to self-selected and fast WS. Plantarflexor strength of the paretic side, knee and hip flexors of the non-paretic side contributed with the WSR of chronic stroke individuals.

scholarly journals CONTRIBUTION OF JOINT MOMENTS IN LOWER LIMBS TO WALKING SPEED : FINDING OF FUNCTIONAL MUSCLES IN FAST WALKING

2001 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung Hyek Kim ◽  
Tsutomu Fukui ◽  
Noboru Sekiya ◽  
Masaaki Takahashi ◽  
Kotaro Tamari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Walking Speed ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Joint Moments ◽  
Fast Walking

scholarly journals Falls and motor behavior in older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 403-415
Author(s):  
Renato Moraes ◽  
Rosangela A. Batistela ◽  
Luciana O. Santos ◽  
Natalia M. Rinaldi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Motor Behavior ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
Motor Behaviors ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

This mini-review focuses on intrinsic risk factors for falls, particularly the changes in motor behavior of faller older adults. Our purpose is to present evidence that faller older adults exhibit motor behavior changes beyond the typically investigated standing and walking tasks. We showed initially that postural control alterations with more prominent differences for fallers than non-fallers seem to depend on postural demands, availability of sensory information, and tasks performed concomitantly with the balancing task. We also provided evidence that walking speed is the most consistent aspect to differentiate fallers from non-fallers. This reduction in walking speed may be a strategy to improve gait stability to avoid a fall. More recent studies have shown that fallers presented modifications in the control of the prehension movement. These changes suggest that fallers have changes in movement categories other than balancing and walking, suggesting that fallers’ difficulties are broader than previously thought. The fact that faller older adults have modifications in the control of upper and lower limbs is indicative of a change in motor behavior involving gross and fine motor behaviors. The understanding of a faller as an individual with global changes in motor behavior has important implications for fall prevention and rehabilitation programs for these individuals.

The Effect of Botulinum Toxin A Injection Under the Guidance of Ultrasound Image in the Treatment of Lower Extremity Spasm After Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 574-578
Author(s):  
Zanhua Wu ◽  
Hui Liang ◽  
Aliberti Antonino
Keyword(s):  
Botulinum Toxin ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Botulinum Toxin A ◽  
Muscle Tension ◽  
Ultrasound Image ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Toxin A

Objective: The objective is to study the effect of botulinum toxin A injection into the lower extremity muscles on the spasticity of the lower extremity after stroke, and to guide and analyze the injection site and the shape of the muscles after injection with ultrasound images, so as to provide an effective treatment basis for the clinical treatment of spasticity of the lower extremity after stroke. Methods: 76 stroke patients with lower extremity spasm who are treated in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region People's Hospital from February 2018 to March 2019 are selected as the study object. Different doses of botulinum toxin A (250–350 U) are injected according to the severity of spasm symptoms of lower limbs. The scores of stroke patients' motor score standard scale, modified Babbitt index scale, ten-meter walking speed scale, functional walking ability scale and ankle joint activity scale are used to collect evaluation scores for statistical analysis. Before and after botulinum toxin A injection, the muscle ultrasound of lower extremity is compared. Results: First, compared with the patients before treatment, there is no significant decrease in limb muscle tension and ankle flexibility on the third day after treatment (P > 0.05). However, on the third day after treatment, the patients' ability of daily activity self-care (P < 0.05), daily walking ability (P < 0.05) and ten-meter walking speed (P < 0.05) are enhanced. Secondly, on the seventh day and one month after the treatment, the muscle tension of the lower extremities is significantly reduced (P < 0.05), the ability of daily activities and self-care of the patients is significantly enhanced (P < 0.05), the walking speed of the patients is significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the flexibility of the patients' ankle joint is significantly increased (P < 0.05). Third, compared with the patients before treatment, the lower limb muscle morphology of the patients improves significantly after one month of treatment. Conclusion: Under the guidance of ultrasound image, botulinum toxin A injection can significantly reduce the muscle tension of the patients' lower limbs, thus greatly relieve or cure the lower extremity spasm, improve the patients' daily self-activity ability, which is worth promoting in the treatment of lower extremity spasm after stroke.

scholarly journals Improved cortical activity and reduced gait asymmetry during poststroke self-paced walking rehabilitation

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keonyoung Oh ◽  
Jihong Park ◽  
Seong Hyeon Jo ◽  
Seong-Jin Hong ◽  
Won-Seok Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Walking Speed ◽  
Cognitive Engagement ◽  
Cortical Activity ◽  
Gait Training ◽  
Swing Phase ◽  
The Self ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Gait Rehabilitation ◽  
Clinical Test ◽  
Gait Asymmetry

Abstract Background For patients with gait impairment due to neurological disorders, body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) has been widely used for gait rehabilitation. On a conventional (passive) treadmill that runs at a constant speed, however, the level of patient engagement and cortical activity decreased compared with gait training on the ground. To increase the level of cognitive engagement and brain activity during gait rehabilitation, a self-paced (active) treadmill is introduced to allow patients to actively control walking speed, as with overground walking. Methods To validate the effects of self-paced treadmill walking on cortical activities, this paper presents a clinical test with stroke survivors. We hypothesized that cortical activities on the affected side of the brain would also increase during active walking because patients have to match the target walking speed with the affected lower limbs. Thus, asymmetric gait patterns such as limping or hobbling might also decrease during active walking. Results Although the clinical test was conducted in a short period, the patients showed higher cognitive engagement, improved brain activities assessed by electroencephalography (EEG), and decreased gait asymmetry with the self-paced treadmill. As expected, increases in the spectral power of the low γ and β bands in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), premotor cortex (PMC), and supramarginal gyrus (SG) were found, which are possibly related to processing sensory data and planning voluntary movements. In addition, these changes in cortical activities were also found with the affected lower limbs during the swing phase. Since our treadmill controller tracked the swing speed of the leg to control walking speed, such results imply that subjects made substantial effort to control their affected legs in the swing phase to match the target walking speed. Conclusions The patients also showed reduced gait asymmetry patterns. Based on the results, the self-paced gait training system has the potential to train the symmetric gait and to promote the related cortical activities after stroke. Trial registration Not applicable

scholarly journals Functional electrical stimulation for restoration of gait and motor recovery after a stroke. Review of scientific literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 244-262
Author(s):  
Evgenia Arkadievna Guryanova ◽  
Vitali V. Kovalchuk ◽  
Oleg Andreevich Tikhoplav ◽  
Felix Grigoryevich Litvak
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Functional Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Energy Costs ◽  
Gait Symmetry ◽  
Patient Tolerance ◽  
Foot Clearance ◽  
Reducing Energy

The article presents an analysis of studies on the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) technology in the rehabilitation of patients after stroke. We reviewed the influence of FES on improving walking speed, kinematics, gait symmetry, the ability to overcome obstacles, the range of motion of the ankle and foot clearance during walking. In the review it is considered FES influence on reducing energy costs for walking, the frequency of falls and spasticity of muscles of the lower limbs. It is also discussed FES influence on increasing confidence and comfort while walking, the speed of adaptation and patient tolerance of functional electrical stimulation devices. A comparison is made of functional electrical stimulation with using ankle orthoses (AFO).

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