Analysis of the activation modalities of the lower limb muscles during walking

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 521-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Li ◽  
Zhongli Li ◽  
Shuyan Qie ◽  
Huaqing Yang ◽  
Xuemei Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Gait Cycle ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Peak Time ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Emg Signal ◽  
Limb Muscles ◽  
Activation Intervals

BACKGROUND: Walking is a basic human activity and many orthopedic diseases can manifest with gait abnormalities. However, the muscle activation intervals of lower limbs are not clear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the contraction patterns of lower limb muscles by analyzing activation intervals using surface electromyography (SEMG) during walking. METHODS: Four muscles including the tibialis anterior (TA), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), medial gastrocnemius (MG), and rectus femoris (RF) of bilateral lower extremity of 92 healthy subjects were selected for SEMG measurements. The number of activations (activation intervals) and the point of the highest root mean square (RMS) EMG signal in the percentage of the gait cycle (GC) were used to analyze muscle activities. RESULTS: The majority of TA and RF showed two activation intervals and both gastrocnemius parts three activation intervals during walking. The point of the highest RMS EMG signal in the percentage of the GC for TA, LG, MG and RF are 5%, 41%, 40%, and 8%, respectively. The activation intervals were mostly affected by age, height, different genders and bilateral limbs. CONCLUSION: This study identified the different activation intervals (four for each muscle) and the proportion of healthy adults in which they occurred during the normal gait cycle. These different activation intervals provided a new insight to evaluate the function of nerves and muscles. In addition, the activation interval and RMS peak time proposed in this study can be used as new parameters for gait analysis.

scholarly journals Electromyographic Assessment of the Lower Leg Muscles during Concentric and Eccentric Phases of Standing Heel Raise

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 465
Author(s):  
Ukadike C. Ugbolue ◽  
Emma L. Yates ◽  
Kerensa Ferguson ◽  
Scott C. Wearing ◽  
Yaodong Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
Muscle Action ◽  
Gastrocnemius Medialis ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Limb Muscles

Only a small number of muscle activation patterns from lower limbs have been reported and simultaneous muscle activation from several lower limb muscles have not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine any gender differences in surface electromyography (EMG) activity from six recorded lower limb muscles of the dominant limb at baseline (i.e., with the foot placed flat on the floor and in the neutral position), and during concentric and eccentric phases when performing a heel raise task. In total, 10 females and 10 males performed a standing heel raise task comprising of three continuous phases: baseline, unloading (concentric muscle action), and loading (eccentric muscle action) phases. Muscle activation from six muscles (gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, soleus, tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and peroneus brevis) were measured using the Myon 320 EMG System. Root mean squared values of each muscle were calculated for each phase. Descriptive and inferential statistics were incorporated into the study. Statistically significant p values were set at 0.05. The results showed no significant differences between baseline, concentric, and eccentric phases with respect to each of the muscles investigated. Except for the gastrocnemius medialis at baseline and concentric phases, no significant differences were observed between genders or contractions. The data suggests that gender does not significantly influence the eccentric phase during the standing heel raise task.

scholarly journals Effects of Dominant and Nondominant Limb Immobilization on Muscle Activation and Physical Demand during Ambulation with Axillary Crutches

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Kara B. Bellenfant ◽  
Gracie L. Robbins ◽  
Rebecca R. Rogers ◽  
Thomas J. Kopec ◽  
Christopher G. Ballmann
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Bipedal Walking ◽  
Lower Limb Muscle ◽  
Limb Muscle ◽  
Physical Demand ◽  
Limb Dominance

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of how limb dominance and joint immobilization alter markers of physical demand and muscle activation during ambulation with axillary crutches. In a crossover, counterbalanced study design, physically active females completed ambulation trials with three conditions: (1) bipedal walking (BW), (2) axillary crutch ambulation with their dominant limb (DOM), and (3) axillary crutch ambulation with their nondominant limb (NDOM). During the axillary crutch ambulation conditions, the non-weight-bearing knee joint was immobilized at a 30-degree flexion angle with a postoperative knee stabilizer. For each trial/condition, participants ambulated at 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mph for five minutes at each speed. Heart rate (HR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored throughout. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to record muscle activation of the medial gastrocnemius (MG), soleus (SOL), and tibialis anterior (TA) unilaterally on the weight-bearing limb. Biceps brachii (BB) and triceps brachii (TB) sEMG were measured bilaterally. sEMG signals for each immobilization condition were normalized to corresponding values for BW.HR (p < 0.001) and RPE (p < 0.001) were significantly higher for both the DOM and NDOM conditions compared to BW but no differences existed between the DOM and NDOM conditions (p > 0.05). No differences in lower limb muscle activation were noted for any muscles between the DOM and NDOM conditions (p > 0.05). Regardless of condition, BB activation ipsilateral to the ambulating limb was significantly lower during 0.6 mph (p = 0.005) and 0.8 mph (p = 0.016) compared to the same speeds for BB on the contralateral side. Contralateral TB activation was significantly higher during 0.6 mph compared to 0.8 mph (p = 0.009) and 1.0 mph (p = 0.029) irrespective of condition. In conclusion, limb dominance appears to not alter lower limb muscle activation and walking intensity while using axillary crutches. However, upper limb muscle activation was asymmetrical during axillary crutch use and largely dependent on speed. These results suggest that functional asymmetry may exist in upper limbs but not lower limbs during assistive device supported ambulation.

Deficits in anticipatory inhibition of postural muscle activity associated with load release while standing in individuals with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

2013 ◽  
Vol 109 (8) ◽  
pp. 1996-2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidehito Tomita ◽  
Yoshiki Fukaya ◽  
Kenji Totsuka ◽  
Yuri Tsukahara
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Limb Muscles ◽  
Postural Muscle ◽  
Load Release

This study aimed to determine whether individuals with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (SDCP) have deficits in anticipatory inhibition of postural muscle activity. Nine individuals with SDCP (SDCP group, 3 female and 6 male, 13–24 yr of age) and nine age- and sex-matched individuals without disability (control group) participated in this study. Participants stood on a force platform, which was used to measure the position of the center of pressure (CoP), while holding a light or heavy load in front of their bodies. They then released the load by abducting both shoulders. Surface electromyograms were recorded from the rectus abdominis, erector spinae (ES), rectus femoris (RF), medial hamstring (MH), tibialis anterior (TA), and gastrocnemius (GcM) muscles. In the control group, anticipatory inhibition before load release and load-related modulation of the inhibition were observed in all the dorsal muscles recorded (ES, MH, and GcM). In the SDCP group, similar results were obtained in the trunk muscle (ES) but not in the lower limb muscles (MH and GcM), although individual differences were seen, especially in MH. Anticipatory activation of the ventral lower limb muscles (RF and TA) and load-related modulation of the activation were observed in both participant groups. CoP path length during load release was longer in the SDCP group than in the control group. The present findings suggest that individuals with SDCP exhibit deficits in anticipatory inhibition of postural muscles at the dorsal part of the lower limbs, which is likely to result in a larger disturbance of postural equilibrium.

scholarly journals Asymmetry and changes in the neuromuscular profile of short-track athletes as a result of strength training

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261265
Author(s):  
Paweł Pakosz ◽  
Anna Lukanova-Jakubowska ◽  
Edyta Łuszczki ◽  
Mariusz Gnoiński ◽  
Oscar García-García
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Limb Muscles ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Monthly Period ◽  
Track Athletes ◽  
The Right

Background The purpose of this study was to identify the biomedical signals of short-track athletes by evaluating the effects of monthly strength training on changes in their neuromuscular profile, strength, and power parameters of the lower limb muscles. Muscle asymmetry, which can cause a risk of injury, was also evaluated. Methods and results This study involved female athletes, age 18.8 ± 2.7 years, with a height of 162 ± 2.4 cm, and weight of 55.9 ± 3.9 kg. Before and after the monthly preparatory period prior to the season, strength measurements were assessed through the Swift SpeedMat platform, and reactivity of the lower limb muscles was assessed with tensiomyography (TMG). The athletes were also tested before and after the recovery training period. In the test after strength training, all average countermovement jump (CMJ) results improved. Flight time showed an increase with a moderate to large effect, using both legs (5.21%). Among the TMG parameters, time contraction (Tc) changed globally with a decrease (-5.20%). Changes in the results of the test after recovery training were most often not significant. Conclusion A monthly period of strength training changes the neuromuscular profile of short-track female athletes, with no significant differences between the right and left lower limbs.

scholarly journals Intermittent Claudication in Physiotherapists’ Practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Anna Spannbauer ◽  
Maciej Chwała ◽  
Tomasz Ridan ◽  
Arkadiusz Berwecki ◽  
Piotr Mika ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Arterial Disease ◽  
Intermittent Claudication ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Arterial Disease ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Limb Muscles ◽  
Peripheral Arterial

Intermittent claudication is a symptom of atherosclerosis of the lower limbs (peripheral arterial disease (PAD)) and is characterized by pain and cramps of lower limb muscles during exercise. Claudication leads to a reduction in physical activity of patients. PAD is a systemic disease. Atherosclerotic lesions located in the arteries of the lower limbs not only pose the risk of the ischemic limb loss, but above all, they are an important prognostic factor. Patients with claudication are at significant risk of cardiovascular complications such as infarcts or strokes. Comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with intermittent claudication based on the current TASC II (Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease) guidelines, ESC (European Society of Cardiology) guidelines, and AHA (American Heart Association) guidelines includes supervised treadmill training, training on a bicycle ergometer, Nordic Walking, resistance exercises of lower limb muscles, and exercises of upper limbs. A trained, educated, and motivated patient has a chance to improve life quality as well as life expectancy.

Feature Evaluation and Pattern Recognition of Lower Limb Muscle EMG during Postural Balance Control

2006 ◽  
Vol 326-328 ◽  
pp. 867-870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyeon Ki Choi ◽  
Jae Hoon Jeong ◽  
Sung Ho Hwang ◽  
Hyeon Chang Choi ◽  
Won Hak Cho
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Postural Balance ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Feature Evaluation ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Emg Signal ◽  
Limb Muscles

We recognized EMG signal patterns of lower limb muscles by using neural networks and performed feature evaluation during the recovery of postural balance of human body. Surface electrodes were attached to lower limb and EMG signals were collected during the balance recovery process from a perturbation without permitting compensatory stepping. A waist pulling system was used to apply transient perturbations in five horizontal directions. The EMG signals of fifty repetitions of five motions were analyzed for ten subjects. Twenty features were extracted from EMG signals of one event. Feature evaluation was also performed by using DB (Davies-Bouldin) index. By using neural networks, EMG signals were classified into five categories, such as forward perturbation, backward perturbation, lateral perturbation and two oblique perturbations. As results, motions were recognized with mean success rates of 75 percent. With the neural networks classifier of this study, the EMG patterns of lower limb muscles during the recovery of postural balance can be classified with high accuracy of recognition.

Frequency response of vestibular reflexes in neck, back, and lower limb muscles

2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (8) ◽  
pp. 1869-1881 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick A. Forbes ◽  
Christopher J. Dakin ◽  
Alistair N. Vardy ◽  
Riender Happee ◽  
Gunter P. Siegmund ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Unit ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Neck Muscle ◽  
Vestibular Reflexes ◽  
Frequency Responses ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Limb Muscles

Vestibular pathways form short-latency disynaptic connections with neck motoneurons, whereas they form longer-latency disynaptic and polysynaptic connections with lower limb motoneurons. We quantified frequency responses of vestibular reflexes in neck, back, and lower limb muscles to explain between-muscle differences. Two hypotheses were evaluated: 1) that muscle-specific motor-unit properties influence the bandwidth of vestibular reflexes; and 2) that frequency responses of vestibular reflexes differ between neck, back, and lower limb muscles because of neural filtering. Subjects were exposed to electrical vestibular stimuli over bandwidths of 0–25 and 0–75 Hz while recording activity in sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitis, erector spinae, soleus, and medial gastrocnemius muscles. Coherence between stimulus and muscle activity revealed markedly larger vestibular reflex bandwidths in neck muscles (0–70 Hz) than back (0–15 Hz) or lower limb muscles (0–20 Hz). In addition, vestibular reflexes in back and lower limb muscles undergo low-pass filtering compared with neck-muscle responses, which span a broader dynamic range. These results suggest that the wider bandwidth of head-neck biomechanics requires a vestibular influence on neck-muscle activation across a larger dynamic range than lower limb muscles. A computational model of vestibular afferents and a motoneuron pool indicates that motor-unit properties are not primary contributors to the bandwidth filtering of vestibular reflexes in different muscles. Instead, our experimental findings suggest that pathway-dependent neural filtering, not captured in our model, contributes to these muscle-specific responses. Furthermore, gain-phase discontinuities in the neck-muscle vestibular reflexes provide evidence of destructive interaction between different reflex components, likely via indirect vestibular-motor pathways.

scholarly journals Characterization of Motor-Evoked Responses Obtained with Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Stimulation from the Lower-Limb Muscles after Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 289
Author(s):  
Yaejin Moon ◽  
Taylor Zuleger ◽  
Martina Lamberti ◽  
Ashir Bansal ◽  
Chaithanya K. Mummidisetty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Evoked Responses ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Spinal Motor ◽  
Paretic Side ◽  
Resting Motor Threshold ◽  
Limb Muscles ◽  
Stroke Group

An increasing number of studies suggests that a novel neuromodulation technique targeting the spinal circuitry enhances gait rehabilitation, but research on its application to stroke survivors is limited. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of spinal motor-evoked responses (sMERs) from lower-limb muscles obtained by transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) after stroke compared to age-matched and younger controls without stroke. Thirty participants (ten stroke survivors, ten age-matched controls, and ten younger controls) completed the study. By using tSCS applied between the L1 and L2 vertebral levels, we compared sMER characteristics (resting motor threshold (RMT), slope of the recruitment curve, and latency) of the tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles among groups. A single pulse of stimulation was delivered in 5 mA increments, increasing from 5 mA to 250 mA or until the subjects reached their maximum tolerance. The stroke group had an increased RMT (27–51%) compared to both age-matched (TA: p = 0.032; MG: p = 0.005) and younger controls (TA: p < 0.001; MG: p<0.001). For the TA muscle, the paretic side demonstrated a 13% increased latency compared to the non-paretic side in the stroke group (p = 0.010). Age-matched controls also exhibited an increased RMT compared to younger controls (TA: p = 0.002; MG: p = 0.007), suggesting that altered sMER characteristics present in stroke survivors may result from both stroke and normal aging. This observation may provide implications for altered spinal motor output after stroke and demonstrates the feasibility of using sMER characteristics as an assessment after stroke.

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