Effects of Fast-Walking on Muscle Activation in Young Adults and Elderly Persons
Journal Title: Journal of Novel Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 1
Abstract
Coactivation of agonist and antagonist muscles participates in the regulation of joint stiffness and postural instability. Alterations on muscle activity have been revealed as an important falling risk factor. It is unclear the effects, and age-related differences, of a prolonged demanding task on the muscular coactivation levels. We compared muscle activation amplitude and coactivation of the vastus medialis, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius medialis from surface EMG in 16 young adults (age 21-33) and 8 elderly adults (age 66-72) while fast-walking at 70% of their maximum heart rate. Overall, the elderly demonstrated higher coactivation indexes than the young individuals. Ankle coactivation decreased in the first half of the swing phase, while coactivation at the knee increased in the latter half of the swing phase in our elders. Alterations of muscle activation and coactivation on the knee and ankle were more prominent close to landing and in the swing phase. Our results suggest that these alterations may suggest potential concerns with respect to the risk of falls.
Authors and Affiliations
CF de Oliveira, DP Soares, MC Bertani, LJ Rodrigues Machado, JP Vila-Boas
1. Lin CH, Chen JJ, Wu CH, Lee HY, Liu YH. Image analysis system for acquiring three-dimensional contour of foot arch during balanced standing. Comput Methods Programs Biomed. 2004; 75: 147-157. Ref.: https://goo.gl/Z137OQ 2. Mootanah R, Song J, Lenhoff MW, Hafer JF, Backus SI, et al. Foot Type Biomechanics Part 2: Are structure and anthropometrics related to function? Gait Posture. 2013; 37: 452
Despite its high incidence and the great development of literature, there is still controversy about the optimal management of Achilles tendon rupture. The several techniques proposed to treat acute ruptures can essentia...
Physical benefits of (Salah) prayer - Strengthen the faith & fitness
The Physical benefits of Islamic prayer on the human body are discussed in this article. The act of prayer requires the worshiper to move through several distinct bodily postures while reciting a specific supplication. S...
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES): Clinical successes and failures to date
Non-invasive electrical stimulation in the form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been documented as an optional assessment and treatment technology for decade...
The efficacy of complex Decongestive Physiotherapy in patients with Bilateral Primary Lower Extremity Lymphedema and Untreatable multiple health conditions: A Case Report
Background: Primary lymphedema occurs as a result of genetic abnormalities of the lymph system. Currently, complex decongestive therapy is accepted as the standard treatment of the lymphedema. In this case presentation,...
Foot Arch Differences in Elderly People at Standing: Considering Gender and Age
Background: The foot is an important and complex structure that provides support, balance and propulsion to locomotion, thus, its proper care can help to have a better life quality avoiding pain. The medial longitudinal...