scholarly journals Gluteal muscle activation during weight bearing exercises in a group of healthy subjects

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (S4) ◽  
Author(s):  
X Huang ◽  
HP French
2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy Y. Lin ◽  
Liang-Ching Tsai ◽  
Joel Press ◽  
Yupeng Ren ◽  
Sun G. Chung ◽  
...  

Context:Gluteal-muscle strength has been identified as an important component of injury prevention and rehabilitation in several common knee injuries. However, many conventionally prescribed gluteal-strengthening exercises are not performed during dynamic weight-bearing activities, which is when most injuries occur.Objectives:To compare lower-limb muscle-activation patterns between conventional gluteal-strengthening exercises and off-axis elliptical exercises with motorized foot-plate perturbations designed to activate gluteal muscles during dynamic exercise.Evidence Acquisition:Twelve healthy volunteers (26.1 ± 4.7 y) participated in the study. They performed 3 conventional exercises (single-leg squat, forward lunge, and clamshell) and 3 elliptical exercises (regular, while resisting an adduction force, and while resisting an internal-rotation torque). Gluteus medius (GMed) and maximus (GMax), quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscle activations during each exercise were recorded using surface electromyography (EMG) and normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC).Evidence Synthesis:Normalized GMed EMG was the highest during the adduction-resistance elliptical exercise (22.4% ± 14.8% MVIC), significantly greater than forward lunge (8.2% ± 3.8% MVIC) and regular elliptical (6.4% ± 2.5% MVIC) and similar to clamshell (19.1% ± 8.8% MVIC) and single-leg squat (18.4% ± 7.9% MVIC). Normalized GMax EMG during adduction-resistance (11.1% ± 7.6% MVIC) and internal-rotation-resistance elliptical (7.4% ± 3.8% MVIC) was significantly greater than regular elliptical (4.4% ± 2.4% MVIC) and was similar to conventional exercises. The single-leg squat required more muscle activation from the quadriceps and gastrocnemius than the elliptical exercises.Conclusions:Off-axis elliptical exercise while resisting an adduction force or internal-rotation torque activates gluteal muscles dynamically while avoiding excessive quadriceps activation during a functional weight-bearing activity compared with conventional gluteal-strengthening exercises.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Kara B. Bellenfant ◽  
Gracie L. Robbins ◽  
Rebecca R. Rogers ◽  
Thomas J. Kopec ◽  
Christopher G. Ballmann

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.


2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 583-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidiane Teles de Menezes ◽  
Paulo Henrique Ferreira de Araujo Barbosa ◽  
Abraão Souza Costa ◽  
Anderson Castro Mundim ◽  
Gabrielly Craveiro Ramos ◽  
...  

INTRODUCTION: Although baropodometric analysis has been published since the 1990s, only now it is found a considerable number of studies showing different uses in the rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To amplify the use of this technology, this research aimed to analyze baropodometric records during upright position of subjects with hemiparesis, describing a way to define weight-bearing profiles in this population. METHOD: 20 healthy subjects were matched by gender and age with 12 subjects with chronic spastic hemiparesis. This control group was formed to establish the limits of symmetry during weight-bearing distribution in the hemiparesis group. Next, hemiparesis group was submitted to procedures to measure baropodometric records used to provide variables related to the weight-bearing distribution, the arch index and the displacements in the center of pressure (CoP). Data were used to compare differences among kinds of weight-bearing distribution (symmetric, asymmetric toward non-paretic or paretic foot) and coordination system for CoP displacements. RESULTS: Hemiparesis group was compounded by eight symmetrics, eight asymmetrics toward non-paretic foot and four asymmetric toward paretic foot. Significant differences in the weight-bearing distributions between non-predominantly and predominantly used foot did not promote differences in the other baropodometric records (peak and mean of pressure, and support area). Mainly in the asymmetry toward non-paretic foot it was observed significant modifications of the baropodometric records. CONCLUSION: Baropodometric technology can be used to analyze weight-bearing distribution during upright position of subjects with hemiparesis, detecting different kinds of weight-bearing profiles useful to therapeutic programs and researches involving subjects with this disability.


Author(s):  
Ross M. Neuman ◽  
Staci M. Shearin ◽  
Karen J. McCain ◽  
Nicholas P. Fey

Abstract Background Gait impairment is a common complication of multiple sclerosis (MS). Gait limitations such as limited hip flexion, foot drop, and knee hyperextension often require external devices like crutches, canes, and orthoses. The effects of mobility-assistive technologies (MATs) prescribed to people with MS are not well understood, and current devices do not cater to the specific needs of these individuals. To address this, a passive unilateral hip flexion-assisting orthosis (HFO) was developed that uses resistance bands spanning the hip joint to redirect energy in the gait cycle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of the HFO on gait mechanics and muscle activation for people with and without MS. We hypothesized that (1) hip flexion would increase in the limb wearing the device, and (2) that muscle activity would increase in hip extensors, and decrease in hip flexors and plantar flexors. Methods Five healthy subjects and five subjects with MS walked for minute-long sessions with the device using three different levels of band stiffness. We analyzed peak hip flexion and extension angles, lower limb joint work, and muscle activity in eight muscles on the lower limbs and trunk. Single-subjects analysis was used due to inter-subject variability. Results For subjects with MS, the HFO caused an increase in peak hip flexion angle and a decrease in peak hip extension angle, confirming our first hypothesis. Healthy subjects showed less pronounced kinematic changes when using the device. Power generated at the hip was increased in most subjects while using the HFO. The second hypothesis was not confirmed, as muscle activity showed inconsistent results, however several subjects demonstrated increased hip extensor and trunk muscle activity with the HFO. Conclusions This exploratory study showed that the HFO was well-tolerated by healthy subjects and subjects with MS, and that it promoted more normative kinematics at the hip for those with MS. Future studies with longer exposure to the HFO and personalized assistance parameters are needed to understand the efficacy of the HFO for mobility assistance and rehabilitation for people with MS.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (11_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967114S0014
Author(s):  
Dariusz Straszewski ◽  
Marcin Plenzler ◽  
Joanna Szczepaniak ◽  
Robert Śmigielski ◽  
Beata Ciszkowska-Łysoń ◽  
...  

Objectives: The aim of the study was to asses the impact of the functional rehabilitation on patella alignment with MRI imaging in patients who underwent the ACL reconstruction. The surgical approach with the use of patellar tendon graft is known to carry the risk of lowering patella height (patella baja), which, in turn, may lead to accelerated cartilage wear in patellofemoral joint. Methods: 30 patients after the anatomical reconstruction of ACL took part in this study (23 male, and 7 female, mean age = 28 ± 10,6 years). During the procedure a patellar tendon graft was used. The Insali-Salvati ratio measured with MRI (images taken pre-procedural, and 9 months after the surgery) was used for the assessment of patellar alignment. The measurements were taken by one radiology specialist on MRI scans in sagittal view in PD sequence. During the examination, patellar joint was in flexion (approx.10 degrees). As the point of reference for patella’s position ISR ratio was in the range of 0.8 - 1.2. All patients were operated on by the same team of surgeons and underwent an unified rehabilitation programme led by a team of selected physiotherapists. The main features of the programme were: an early muscle activation (second day after the procedure); mobilisation of the patella and tissues of the anterior compartment of the knee; weight bearing co-contraction exercises, and the sensomotoric training of the entire kinetic chain of the lower limb. The data recorded was statistically analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test in order to establish parameters’ changes within the study group.. Results: The mean ISR value before the procedure was 0.84 (± 0,1), whereas 9 months after the surgery it was 0.85 (± 0,1). The results’ analysis did not show any statistically significant changes between ISR values. Nine months after the procedure patella baja has not been observed in any of the evaluated patients. Conclusion: The functional rehabilitation programme designed by the CMC team had no negative impact on patella alignment, as no patella baja, which is a common complication after these kinds of surgeries, has been observed. The applied functional rehabilitation programme enabled patients to keep the proper patella alignment, similar to the alignment recorded before the surgery.


2004 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Mucha

This study investigated the chronological activation sequence of multiple joint movements of the hemiparetic arm in patients with central hemiparesis compared to healthy test subjects.Twelve patients with central hemiparesis and eight healthy control subjects were studied. First, in rapid abduction movement of the upper limb, the electromyographic activities of the middle part of the deltoid muscle, the brachial biceps muscle and the extensor muscles of the fingers, were registered. Second, in rapid flexion of the arm, the electromyographic activities of the ventral part of the deltoid muscle, the brachial biceps muscle and the superficial flexor muscles of the fingers, were measured. From the EMG data registered, activation duration, activation latency and the innervation sequence were determined and compared between the patient group and the control group. In the patient group, a significant prolongation of the activation duration was shown only in abduction. However, the activation latency was significantly prolonged in both movements compared to healthy test subjects. In the innervation sequences, a simultaneous activation was most frequently shown in healthy subjects. In healthy subjects, the deltoid muscle also usually functioned as leading muscle, whereas there was sometimes a shift distally to the brachial biceps muscle in the hemiparetic patients. The speed of rapid multiple joint movements in hemiparetic extremities seems to be unaffected in certain movements (anteversion), in others (abduction) it seems to be significantly reduced. This, as well as the fact that the activation latency is significantly longer in the hemiparetic limbs should be taken into consideration when choosing rehabilitation exercises.


Author(s):  
Pooya Soltani ◽  
João Paulo Vilas-Boas

Exergames may provide low-cost solutions for playing, training and rehabilitation. Exergame user research, studies the interaction between an exergame and users, in order to provide feedback for game developers and safe and meaningful game play. Detailed evaluations and a coding system based on muscle activation levels are necessary to characterize. This is important when it comes to use exergames in purposes other than fun. The purpose of this chapter was to characterize the muscle activation during a swimming exergame and to compare the level of activation during different conditions. Healthy subjects played bouts of exergame using Xbox360 and Kinect. Muscle activation was monitored for desired muscles on dominant upper limb using wireless electromyography system. An investigation of muscular coordination was also conducted to provide activation sequences of studied muscles. Preliminary results showed that upper trapezius was the most active muscle in all techniques. Results can provide insights for practitioners to have a baseline on application of exergames in their routines.


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