Responses in knee joint muscle activation patterns to different perturbations during gait in healthy subjects

Jim C. Schrijvers*, Josien C. van den Noort, Martin van der Esch, Jaap Harlaar

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
28 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the responses in knee joint muscle activation patterns to different perturbations during gait in healthy subjects. Scope: Nine healthy participants were subjected to perturbed walking on a split-belt treadmill. Four perturbation types were applied, each at five intensities. The activations of seven muscles surrounding the knee were measured using surface EMG. The responses in muscle activation were expressed by calculating mean, peak, co-contraction (CCI) and perturbation responses (PR) values. PR captures the responses relative to unperturbed gait. Statistical parametric mapping analysis was used to compare the muscle activation patterns between conditions. Results: Perturbations evoked only small responses in muscle activation, though higher perturbation intensities yielded a higher mean activation in five muscles, as well as higher PR. Different types of perturbation led to different responses in the rectus femoris, medial gastrocnemius and lateral gastrocnemius. The participants had lower CCI just before perturbation compared to the same phase of unperturbed gait. Conclusions: Healthy participants respond to different perturbations during gait with small adaptations in their knee joint muscle activation patterns. This study provides insights in how the muscles are activated to stabilize the knee when challenged. Furthermore it could guide future studies in determining aberrant muscle activation in patients with knee disorders.

Original languageEnglish
Article number102572
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Volume60
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Gait
  • Joint stability
  • Knee
  • Muscle activation
  • Perturbations

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Responses in knee joint muscle activation patterns to different perturbations during gait in healthy subjects'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this