Lemineur C, Blain GM, Piche E, Gerus P. Relationship between metabolic cost, muscle moments and co-contraction during walking and running.
Gait Posture 2024;
113:345-351. [PMID:
39053123 DOI:
10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.07.008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The metabolic cost of locomotion is a key factor in walking and running performance. It has been studied by analysing the activation and co-activation of the muscles of the lower limbs. However, these measures do not comprehensively address muscle mechanics, in contrast to approaches using muscle moments and co-contraction.
RESEARCH QUESTION
What is the effect of speed and type of locomotion on muscle moments and co-contraction, and their relationship with metabolic cost during walking and running?
METHODS
Eleven recreational athletes (60.5 ± 7.1 kg; 169.0 ± 6.6 cm; 23.6 ± 3.3 years) walked and ran on a treadmill at different speeds, including a similar speed of 1.75 m.s-1. Metabolic cost was estimated from gas exchange measurements. Muscle moments and co-contraction of ankle and knee flexors and extensors during the stance and swing phases were estimated using an electromyographic-driven model.
RESULTS
Both the slowest and fastest walking speeds had significantly higher metabolic costs than intermediate ones (p < 0.05). The metabolic cost of walking was correlated with plantarflexors moment during swing phase (r = 0.62 at 0.5 m.s-1, r = 0.67 at 1,25 m.s-1), dorsiflexors moment during stance phase (r = 0.65 at 1.25 m.s-1, r = 0.67 at 1.5 and 1.75 m.s-1), and ankle co-contraction during the stance phase (r = 0.63 at 1.25 and 1.75 m.s-1). The metabolic cost of running at 3.25 m.s-1 during the swing phase was correlated with the dorsiflexors moment (r = 0.63), plantarflexors moment (r = 0.61) and ankle co-contraction (r = 0.60).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Fluctuations in metabolic cost of walking and running could be explained, at least in part, by increased ankle antagonist moments and co-contraction.
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