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Shirazi SY, Huang HJ. Older adults use fewer muscles to overcome perturbations during a seated locomotor task. J Neurophysiol 2024; 131:1250-1259. [PMID: 38717333 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00263.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Locomotor perturbations provide insights into humans' response to motor errors. We investigated the differences in motor adaptation and muscle cocontraction between young and older adults during perturbed-arm and -leg recumbent stepping. We hypothesized that besides prolonged adaptation due to use-dependent learning, older adults would exhibit greater muscle cocontraction than young adults in response to the perturbations. Perturbations were brief increases in resistance applied during each stride at the extension onset or midextension of the left or right leg. Seventeen young adults and eleven older adults completed four 10-min perturbed stepping tasks. Subjects were instructed to follow a visual pacing cue, step smoothly, and use all their limbs to drive the stepper. Results showed that young and older adults did not decrease their errors with more perturbation experience, and errors did not wash out after perturbations were removed. Interestingly, older adults consistently had smaller motor errors than young adults in response to the perturbations. Older adults used fewer muscles to drive the stepper and had greater cocontraction than young adults. The results suggest that, despite similar motor error responses, young and older adults use distinctive muscle recruitment patterns to perform the motor task. Age-related motor strategies help track motor changes across the human life span and are a baseline for rehabilitation and performance assessment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Older adults often demonstrate greater cocontraction and motor errors than young adults in response to motor perturbations. We demonstrated that older adults reduced their motor errors more than young adults with brief perturbations during recumbent stepping while maintaining greater muscle cocontraction. In doing so, older adults largely used one muscle pair to drive the stepper, tibialis anterior and soleus, whereas young adults used all muscles. These two muscles are crucial for maintaining upright balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Yahya Shirazi
- Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, Institute for Neural Computation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Helen J Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, United States
- Disability, Aging and Technology (DAT) Cluster, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, United States
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Villalba MM, Silva NRS, Fujita RA, Fogagnolo C, Gomes MM, Pacheco MM. Muscle Recruitment Strategies in a Redundant Task: Age Differences Through Network Analyses. J Mot Behav 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38565202 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2024.2332767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
There are numerous studies comparing young and old adults in terms of muscle coordination in standard tasks (e.g., walking, reaching) and small variations of them. These tasks might hide differences: individuals would converge to similar behavior as they practice these throughout life. Also, we are unaware of studies that considered the muscle recruitment nested dynamics. For this reason, our study evaluated how young and old women coordinate and control the movement system while performing an unusual redundant motor control task through the network physiology approach. We acquired electromyographic signals from nine leg muscles of the dominant and non-dominant limbs during maximum voluntary isometric contractions (knee extension and flexion) and co-contraction bouts. Our results showed that young participants presented higher peak torque output, with similar EMG variability, compared to older participants. Considering firing rate frequencies, old and young women demonstrated different traits for network clustering and efficiency for the task. Age seems to affect muscle coordination at higher frequencies, even with a similar number of muscle synergies, indicating that younger women might have more integrated synergies than older women. The findings also point to differential muscle coordination adaptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina M Villalba
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Nilson R S Silva
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Adaptations Laboratory, Boise State University, Boise, USA
| | - Rafael A Fujita
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carol Fogagnolo
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Matheus M Gomes
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Matheus M Pacheco
- Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Faculty of Sport, LABIOMEP, CIFI2D, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Physical Education, GEDEM, Federal University of Rondônia, Porto Velho, Brazil
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3
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Iwamoto Y, Kawakami W, Takeuchi R, Takeuchi Y, Ishii Y, Ishikawa M, Adachi N, Takahashi M. Effect of lateral wedge length on knee adduction moment reduction mechanics during gait. Prosthet Orthot Int 2024:00006479-990000000-00237. [PMID: 38557974 DOI: 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Lateral wedge insole (LWI) wear is a well-known conservative treatment for patients with knee osteoarthritis and is expected to decrease knee joint loading. Although the effect of LWI length on knee adduction moment (KAM) has been investigated, the biomechanical mechanism has not been fully investigated. Twelve healthy young subjects walked in the laboratory with and without 2 different lengths of LWIs. Three-dimensional motion analysis was performed to calculate the first and second peaks and impulses of the KAM during the stance phase. In addition, the knee-ground reaction force lever arm (KLA) and center of pressure (COP), ankle eversion moment, and ankle eversion angle were calculated. The first peak of KAM was lower, COP was displaced outward, and KLA was shorter with both LWIs attached. On the other hand, the second peak of KAM was lower with longer LWIs, COP was displaced outward, and KLA was shorter. The KAM impulse was significantly smaller in the condition with longer LWI than in the other conditions with smaller ankle eversion motion; longer LWI induced COP to the lateral side through the stance phase and kept KLA short, thus reducing the KAM impulse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Iwamoto
- Department of Neuromechanics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Center for Advanced Practice and Research of Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Wataru Kawakami
- Department of Neuromechanics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kure Kyosai Hospital, Kure, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Takeuchi
- Department of Neuromechanics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Takeuchi
- Department of Neuromechanics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yosuke Ishii
- Department of Neuromechanics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Center for Advanced Practice and Research of Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masakazu Ishikawa
- Department of Artificial Joints and Biomaterials, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nobuo Adachi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Makoto Takahashi
- Department of Neuromechanics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Center for Advanced Practice and Research of Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Maktouf W, Ferhi H, Boyas S, Beaune B, Gaied Chortane S, Portero P, Durand S. The influence of obesity and fat distribution on ankle muscle coactivation during gait. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294692. [PMID: 38507359 PMCID: PMC10954167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive body weight is associated with gait alterations. In none of previous studies, body fat distribution has been considered as a factor that could change gait parameters and induce different neuromuscular adaptations. OBJECTIVE This multicenter, analytical, and cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the influence of the body mass distribution on gait parameters and ankle muscle coactivation in obese individuals. METHODS Three distinct groups were included in the study: a non-obese control group (CG, n = 15, average age = 32.8 ± 6.5 years, BMI = 21.4 ± 2.2 kg/m2), an obese-android group characterized by a Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) greater than 1 (OAG, n = 15, age = 32.4 ± 3.9 years, BMI = 41.4 ± 3.9 kg/m2, WHR = 1.2 ± 0.2), and an obese-gynoid group with a WHR less than 1 (OGG, n = 15, age = 35.4 ± 4.1 years, BMI = 40.0 ± 5.7 kg/m2, WHR = 0.82 ± 0.3). All participants walked on an instrumented gait analysis treadmill at their self-selected walking speed for one minute. Spatiotemporal parameters, walking cycle phases, vertical ground reaction force (GRFv) and center of pressure (CoP) velocity were sampled from the treadmill software. Electromyography (EMG) activity of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM), the soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA) were collected during walking and used to calculate coactivation indexes (CI) between ankle plantar and dorsal flexors (GM/TA and SOL/TA) for the different walking cycle phases. RESULTS Compared to OAG, OGG walked with shorter and larger strides, lower CoP velocity and GRFv. During the single support phase, SOL/TA coactivation was higher in OAG compared to OGG (p < .05). During the propulsion phase, SOL/TA coactivation was higher in OGG compared to OAG (p < .05). CONCLUSION Gait parameters and ankle muscle coactivation in obese individuals seem to be strongly dependent on body mass distribution. From the biomechanical point of view, body mass distribution changes gait strategies in obese individuals inducing different neuromuscular adaptations during the single support and propulsion phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Maktouf
- Bioengineering, Tissues and Neuroplasticity, UR 7377, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France
| | - Hamza Ferhi
- Research Unit (UR17JS01) « Sport Performance, Health & Society », Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Saîd, University of “La Manouba”, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sébastien Boyas
- Department of Sport Sciences, Laboratory “Movement, Interactions, Performance” (UR 4334), Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Le Mans University, Le Mans, France
| | - Bruno Beaune
- Department of Sport Sciences, Laboratory “Movement, Interactions, Performance” (UR 4334), Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Le Mans University, Le Mans, France
| | - Sabri Gaied Chortane
- Research Unit (UR17JS01) « Sport Performance, Health & Society », Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Saîd, University of “La Manouba”, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Pierre Portero
- Bioengineering, Tissues and Neuroplasticity, UR 7377, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil, France
| | - Sylvain Durand
- Department of Sport Sciences, Laboratory “Movement, Interactions, Performance” (UR 4334), Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Le Mans University, Le Mans, France
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Magtouf E, Chortane SG, Chortane OG, Boyas S, Beaune B, Durand S, Maktouf W. Influence of Concurrent Exercise Training on Ankle Muscle Activation during Static and Proactive Postural Control on Older Adults with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Multicenter, Randomized, and Controlled Trial. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:2779-2794. [PMID: 38131891 PMCID: PMC10743236 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13120192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenic obesity (SO), characterized by age-related muscle loss and excess body fat, significantly impairs postural control. However, limited research has explored the effects of concurrent exercise training on neuromuscular strategies during postural control in older adults with SO. The study enrolled 50 older adults with SO, split into an intervention group (IG, n = 25, mean age = 76.1 ± 3.5 years; mean BMI = 34.4 ± 4.0 kg/m2) and a control group (CG, n = 25, mean age = 75.9 ± 5.4 years; mean BMI = 32.9 ± 2.3 kg/m2). Participants in the IG were engaged in 60-min Total Mobility Plus Program (TMP) sessions three times a week for four months, while the CG maintained their typical daily activities. Standardized evaluations were conducted both before and after the intervention. These assessments included the Romberg and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests, as well as the measurement of Center of Pressure (CoP) displacements parameters under various conditions. Additionally, ankle muscle activities were quantified during postural control evaluations and maximal voluntary contractions of plantar and dorsal flexors. Post-intervention results revealed a significant reduction of the standing time measured in the Romberg (-15.6%, p < 0.005) and TUG (-34.6%, p < 0.05) tests. Additionally, CoP area and velocity were notably reduced in various conditions (p < 0.05). Postural control improvements were associated with an increase of strength (p < 0.05) and decrease of ankle muscle activation (p < 0.05). These findings highlight the reversibility of neuromuscular system alterations associated with the synergistic effects of sarcopenia and obesity, emphasizing the trainability of postural control regulation within this population. By incorporating these insights into clinical practice and public health strategies, it seems possible to optimize the health and well-being of older adults with SO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmoetez Magtouf
- Research Laboratory (LR23JS01) «Sport Performance, Health & Society», Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Saîd, University of “La Manouba”, Tunis 2010, Tunisia; (E.M.); (S.G.C.); (O.G.C.)
| | - Sabri Gaied Chortane
- Research Laboratory (LR23JS01) «Sport Performance, Health & Society», Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Saîd, University of “La Manouba”, Tunis 2010, Tunisia; (E.M.); (S.G.C.); (O.G.C.)
| | - Oussema Gaied Chortane
- Research Laboratory (LR23JS01) «Sport Performance, Health & Society», Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar Saîd, University of “La Manouba”, Tunis 2010, Tunisia; (E.M.); (S.G.C.); (O.G.C.)
| | - Sébastien Boyas
- Laboratory “Movement, Interactions, Performance” (UR 4334), Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Le Mans University, 72000 Le Mans, France; (S.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.)
| | - Bruno Beaune
- Laboratory “Movement, Interactions, Performance” (UR 4334), Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Le Mans University, 72000 Le Mans, France; (S.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.)
| | - Sylvain Durand
- Laboratory “Movement, Interactions, Performance” (UR 4334), Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Le Mans University, 72000 Le Mans, France; (S.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.)
| | - Wael Maktouf
- Bioengineering, Tissues and Neuroplasticity, UR 7377, Faculty of Health, University of Paris-Est Créteil, 8 rue du Général Sarrail, 94010 Créteil, France
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Yu H, Wang J, Mao M, Song Q, Zhang C, Fong DTP, Sun W. Muscle co-contraction and pre-activation in knee and ankle joint during a typical Tai Chi brush-knee twist-step. Res Sports Med 2023; 31:628-637. [PMID: 34957881 DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2021.2020788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the co-contraction and pre-activation of agonistic and antagonistic muscles in experienced Tai Chi (TC) practitioners during normal walking (NW) and brush-knee twist-step (BKTS). The electromyographic activities of rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and tibialis anterior and lateral gastrocnemius muscles were collected during BKTS and NW in 28 TC practitioners. The pre-activation of knee and ankle joints before initial landing of left foot, and the co-contraction of knee and ankle joint in double-stance phase I (DSI), single-stance phase (SS), double-stance phase II (DSII), and swing phase (SW) were calculated during BKTS and NW. Ankle co-contraction significantly increased during DSI and SS in BKTS movements than compared with that in NW. For DSI and SW, SS and DSII, and DSII and SW, a significant difference was found in BKTS. The pre-activation of knee joint significantly decreased in BKTS and NW. This study indicated greater ankle joint muscle co-contraction in DSI and SS of stance phase and lower knee joint muscle co-contraction and pre-activation than in NW in BKTS movement. In addition, greater ankle joint muscle co-contraction was observed in the DSI, SS, and DSII of stance phase than those of swing phase in BKTS movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- College of Sports and Health, Shandong Sport University, Jinan, China
| | - JiangNa Wang
- College of Sports and Health, Shandong Sport University, Jinan, China
| | - Min Mao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - QiPeng Song
- College of Sports and Health, Shandong Sport University, Jinan, China
| | - Cui Zhang
- Lab of Biomechanics, Shandong Institute of Sport Science, Jinan, China
| | - Daniel T P Fong
- National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Wei Sun
- College of Sports and Health, Shandong Sport University, Jinan, China
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Molina-Rueda F, Fernández-Vázquez D, Navarro-López V, López-González R, Carratalá-Tejada M. Muscle Coactivation Index during Walking in People with Multiple Sclerosis with Mild Disability, a Cross-Sectional Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2169. [PMID: 37443563 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by axonal degeneration and demyelination. Changes in gait, related to joint kinematics and kinetics, especially at the ankle and knee, have been observed in people with MS (pwMS). Muscle coactivation plays an important role in joint stabilization; however, excessive coactivation may interfere with gait. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in muscle activation during gait in pwMS compared to healthy individuals. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted involving pwMS and healthy controls. Surface electromyography was used to record muscle activity during gait. The main outcome measures were the coactivation index (CI) and the area under the curve (AUC), which were calculated for several pairs of lower extremity muscles. RESULTS Nine pwMS and nine healthy controls were included. When comparing the MS group to the control group, the AUC was significantly higher in the lateral gastrocnemius (p = 0.023) and the CI for the lateral gastrocnemius-anterior tibialis (p = 0.022) and gluteus maximus-lateral gastrocnemius (p = 0.047). CONCLUSION Mildly affected pwMS have altered muscle coactivation patterns during gait, especially in the most affected limb. The results highlight the importance of muscle coactivation in pwMS and its possible role in the early detection of gait abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Molina-Rueda
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Movement Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomics, and Motor Control Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Fernández-Vázquez
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Movement Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomics, and Motor Control Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Navarro-López
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Movement Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomics, and Motor Control Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl López-González
- Movement Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomics, and Motor Control Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Carratalá-Tejada
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Movement Analysis, Biomechanics, Ergonomics, and Motor Control Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
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8
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Martino G, Beck ON, Ting LH. Voluntary muscle coactivation in quiet standing elicits reciprocal rather than coactive agonist-antagonist control of reactive balance. J Neurophysiol 2023; 129:1378-1388. [PMID: 37162064 PMCID: PMC10259861 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00458.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle coactivation increases in challenging balance conditions as well as with advanced age and mobility impairments. Increased muscle coactivation can occur both in anticipation of (feedforward) and in reaction to (feedback) perturbations, however, the causal relationship between feedforward and feedback muscle coactivation remains elusive. Here, we hypothesized that feedforward muscle coactivation would increase both the body's initial mechanical resistance due to muscle intrinsic properties and the later feedback-mediated muscle coactivation in response to postural perturbations. Young adults voluntarily increased leg muscle coactivation using visual biofeedback before support-surface perturbations. In contrast to our hypothesis, feedforward muscle coactivation did not increase the body's initial intrinsic resistance to perturbations, nor did it increase feedback muscle coactivation. Rather, perturbations with feedforward muscle coactivation elicited a medium- to long-latency increase of feedback-mediated agonist activity but a decrease of feedback-mediated antagonist activity. This reciprocal rather than coactivation effect on ankle agonist and antagonist muscles enabled faster reactive ankle torque generation, reduced ankle dorsiflexion, and reduced center of mass (CoM) motion. We conclude that in young adults, voluntary feedforward muscle coactivation can be independently modulated with respect to feedback-mediated muscle coactivation. Furthermore, our findings suggest feedforward muscle coactivation may be useful for enabling quicker joint torque generation through reciprocal, rather than coactivated, agonist-antagonist feedback muscle activity. As such our results suggest that behavioral context is critical to whether muscle coactivation functions to increase agility versus stability.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Feedforward and feedback muscle coactivation are commonly observed in older and mobility impaired adults and are considered strategies to improve stability by increasing body stiffness prior to and in response to perturbations. In young adults, voluntary feedforward coactivation does not necessarily increase feedback coactivation in response to perturbations. Instead, feedforward coactivation enabled faster ankle torques through reciprocal agonist-antagonist muscle activity. As such, coactivation may promote either agility or stability depending on the behavioral context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Martino
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Owen N Beck
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States
| | - Lena H Ting
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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Hill MW, Wdowski MM, Rosicka K, Kay AD, Muehlbauer T. Exploring the relationship of static and dynamic balance with muscle mechanical properties of the lower limbs in healthy young adults. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1168314. [PMID: 37304823 PMCID: PMC10251143 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1168314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
There is emerging evidence that mechanical properties of in vivo muscle tissues are associated with postural sway during quiet standing. However, it is unknown if the observed relationship between mechanical properties with static balance parameters generalise to dynamic balance. Thus, we determined the relationship between static and dynamic balance parameters with muscle mechanical properties of the ankle plantar flexors [lateral gastrocnemius (GL)] and knee extensors [vastus lateralis (VL)] in vivo. Twenty-six participants (men = 16, women = 10; age = 23.3 ± 4.4 years) were assessed for static balance [centre of pressure (COP) movements during quiet standing], dynamic balance (reach distances for the Y-balance test) and mechanical properties (stiffness and tone) of the GL and VL measured in the standing and lying position. Significant (p < .05) small to moderate inverse correlations were observed between the mean COP velocity during quiet standing with stiffness (r = -.40 to -.58, p = .002 to .042) and tone (r = -0.42 to -0.56, p = 0.003 to 0.036) of the GL and VL (lying and standing). Tone and stiffness explained 16%-33% of the variance in the mean COP velocity. Stiffness and tone of the VL measured in the lying (supine) condition were also inversely significantly correlated with Y balance test performance (r = -0.39 to -0.46, p = 0.018 to 0.049). These findings highlight that individuals with low muscle stiffness and tone exhibit faster COP movements during quiet standing, indicative of reduced postural control but also reveal that low VL stiffness and tone are associated with greater reach distances in a lower extremity reaching task, indicative of greater neuromuscular performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew W. Hill
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Maximilian M. Wdowski
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Katarzyna Rosicka
- Department of Physiotherapy Faculty of Physical Culture in Gorzów Wlkp, Poznań University of Physical Education, Gorzów Wlkp, Poland
| | - Anthony D. Kay
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, Faculty of Art, Science and Technology, University of Northampton, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Wang X, Fu X, Li W, Wang Q, Zhang K, Yan S. Dynamic electromyography findings of the lower leg muscles during walking in spastic cerebral palsy children with hindfoot valgus. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2023; 106:106008. [PMID: 37257273 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.106008] [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: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hindfoot valgus is one of the most prevalent foot deformities in cerebral palsy children. Investigating the muscle activation patterns of cerebral palsy children with hindfoot valgus is crucial to understand their abnormal gait different from typically developing children. METHODS Electromyography data of 20 cerebral palsy children with hindfoot valgus and 20 typically developing children were recorded for tibialis anterior, peroneal longus, and gastrocnemius medialis. The activation onset and offset times, normalized peak electromyography amplitude, average electromyography amplitude and integral electromyography amplitude for 20 completed cycles were averaged for data analysis. The co-activation index and activation percentage of peroneal longus were used to evaluate the co-activation level for tibialis anterior and peroneal longus muscles. FINDINGS Compared with typically developing children, the activation onset of tibialis anterior and the activation offset of tibialis anterior, peroneal longus, and gastrocnemius medialis were significantly delayed in cerebral palsy children; moreover, the muscle activation durations of tibialis anterior, peroneal longus, and gastrocnemius medialis were significantly longer, and the normalized average electromyography amplitude of tibialis anterior, peroneal longus and gastrocnemius medialis, and the normalized integral electromyography amplitude of tibialis anterior were significantly lower in cerebral palsy children. Furthermore, for cerebral palsy children, the co-activation index was greater, and the peroneal longus muscles activation percentage was lower in the stance phase and greater in the swing phase than that of typically developing children. INTERPRETATION The lower leg muscle activation patterns in cerebral palsy children were found to be abnormal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesen Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohu Fu
- Rehabilitation Department of Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, Shandong, China
| | - Qining Wang
- Robotics Research Group, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kuan Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Songhua Yan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research on Biomechanics in Clinical application, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Takano S, Iwamoto Y, Fujii N, Konishi R, Ozawa J, Kito N. Effects of Gluteus Maximus Muscle Activity and Pelvic Width on Dynamic Frontal Plane Hip Joint Stiffness During Gait in Healthy Young Women. J Sport Rehabil 2023:1-7. [PMID: 37044379 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2022-0322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Excessive hip adduction and internal rotation are abnormal movements that may lead to the onset and progression of patellofemoral pain. Previous studies have reported that lower dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness in the gait of women is associated with the magnitude of hip adduction and internal rotation angles. However, the factors contributing to the lack of dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness in the gait of young women are unclear. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness during the weight-acceptance phase of the gait of healthy young women. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS This study included 30 healthy women between the ages of 18 and 30 years. The pelvic width/femur length ratio was calculated by dividing the pelvic width by the femur length. Data on hip kinematics and kinetics and activation of the gluteus maximus and medius, tensor fasciae latae, and adductor longus muscles during gait were collected using a motion capture system, force plates, and surface electromyography. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the extent to which each independent factor affected dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness. RESULTS In healthy young women, decreased dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness was associated with decreased muscle activity of the gluteus maximus during the gait, as well as greater pelvic width/femur length ratio. CONCLUSIONS Women with a relatively great pelvic width relative to femur length may have more difficulty in producing dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness. However, increasing the muscle activity of the gluteus maximus may contribute to increased dynamic frontal plane hip joint stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Takano
- Department of Rehabilitation, Makitsubo Orthopedic Clinic, Hiroshima,Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Iwamoto
- Department of Neuromechanics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima,Japan
| | - Norifumi Fujii
- Department of Rehabilitation, Shimura Hospital, Hiroshima,Japan
| | - Rei Konishi
- Major in Medical Engineering and Technology, Graduate School of Medical Technology and Health Welfare Science, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima,Japan
- Faculty of General Rehabilitation, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima,Japan
| | - Junya Ozawa
- Faculty of General Rehabilitation, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima,Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Kito
- Faculty of General Rehabilitation, Hiroshima International University, Hiroshima,Japan
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Saraiva M, Castro MA, Vilas-Boas JP. Muscular and Prefrontal Cortex Activity during Dual-Task Performing in Young Adults. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:736-747. [PMID: 37185908 PMCID: PMC10137896 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13040055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Postural control depends on attentional resources besides automatic processes. The dual-task paradigm is a possible approach to analyzing the interference and performance between motor and/or cognitive tasks. Various studies showed that, when individuals simultaneously perform two tasks, the postural stability can decline during a dual-task compared with a single-task due to the attentional resources required performing the tasks. However, little is known about the cortical and muscular activity pattern during dual-task performance. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the muscular and prefrontal activity under dual-task performance in healthy young adults. Thirty-four healthy young adults (mean age ± SD = 22.74 ± 3.74 years) were recruited to perform a postural task (standing posture) and a dual-task (maintaining standing posture while performing a cognitive task). Lower-limb muscle activity was bilaterally collected from five muscles using surface electromyography (sEMG), and the co-contraction index (CCI) was also calculated for selected muscle pairings. The oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations (prefrontal cortex activity) were recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Data were compared between single- and dual-task performance. Prefrontal activity increased (p < 0.05), and muscle activity decreased in most analyzed muscles (p < 0.05), from the single-task to cognitive dual-task performing. The co-contraction index patterns changed from single- to dual-task conditions in most selected muscle pairs (p < 0.05). We conclude that the cognitive task negatively interfered with motor performance once the muscle activity decreased and the prefrontal cortex activity increased under a dual-task, suggesting that young adults prioritized cognitive task performance, and they allocated more attentional resources to the cognitive task over the motor performance. Understanding the neuromotor changes can help adopt a better clinical practice to prevent injuries. However, future studies are recommended to assess and monitor muscular and cortical activity during the dual-task performance to provide additional information about the cortical and muscular activity patterns in postural control while performing a dual-task.
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Francia P, Ferri Marini C, Bocchi L, Piccini B, Seghieri G, Federici A, Toni S, Lucertini F. The Assessment of Ankle Range-of-Motion and Its Relationship with Overall Muscle Strength in a Cross-Section of Soccer Players. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:sports11010012. [PMID: 36668716 PMCID: PMC9865943 DOI: 10.3390/sports11010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Soccer (football) practice can induce a limitation of ankle range of motion (ROM) that is a possible risk factor for injury and other negative consequences over time. The main objective of this research was to investigate the effects of soccer practice on ankle ROM throughout the entire period of a sports career of soccer players (SP). Furthermore, the relationship between ankle ROM and muscle strength in SP of different ages was studied. A total of 204 SP (range 6.7−45.1 years) and 87 controls (range: 7.5−45.2 years) matched for age, body mass index (BMI), and gender, were assessed. Ankle ROM in both plantar flexion (APF) and dorsiflexion (ADF) in addition to handgrip strength (HGS) were evaluated using an inclinometer and the Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer, respectively. The comparison between SP and control groups showed a significant reduction in ankle ROM of both APF (26.3 ± 7.2° vs. 32.6 ± 7.4°; d = −0.90; p < 0.001) and ADF (95.5 ± 15.6° vs. 105.5 ± 15.8°; d = −0.66; p < 0.001). In SP, the results of the ANOVAs test indicate that age had a significant effect on ADF (F = 4.352, p = 0.038, partial eta-squared (ηp2) = 0.015) but not on APF (F = 0.430, p = 0.746, ηp2 = 0.001). Moreover, considering only the SP, a weak inverse correlation between ADF and HGS group ADF was found (rs = −0.27; p < 0.001). Factors such as the non-linear trend of growth in young SP could hinder the definition of the relationship between ankle ROM, age, and muscle strength. However, the appropriate consideration of age and muscle strength could facilitate the management of ankle ROM in PF of different ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piergiorgio Francia
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences—Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino, 61029 Urbino, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Carlo Ferri Marini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences—Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Leonardo Bocchi
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Ario Federici
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences—Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Sonia Toni
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Lucertini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences—Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino, 61029 Urbino, Italy
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Relationship Among 3 Different Core Stability Tests in Healthy Young Adults: Validity and Gender Differences. J Sport Rehabil 2022; 31:385-390. [PMID: 34969011 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2021-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Core stability is important for preventing injury and improving performance. Although various tests for evaluating core stability have been reported to date, information on their relationship and the effect of gender differences is limited. This study aimed to (1) identify correlations among the 3 core stability tests and to examine the validity of each test and (2) identify gender differences in the test relationship and determine whether gender influenced test selection. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Fifty-one healthy volunteers (27 men and 24 women) participated in the study. The participants underwent the following 3 tests: Sahrmann Core Stability Test (SCST), the lumbar spine motor control tests battery (MCBT), and Y Balance Test (YBT). Each parameter was analyzed according to all parameters and gender using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS Overall, there was a strong positive correlation between SCST and MCBT and moderate positive correlations between SCST and YBT and between MCBT and YBT. Conversely, gender-specific analyses revealed no significant correlations between YBT and SCST and between YBT and MCBT in women, although significantly strong correlations were found among all tests in men. CONCLUSION Although these 3 tests evaluated interrelated functions and may be valid as core stability tests, the results should be carefully interpreted when performing YBT in women.
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15
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Abe D, Motoyama K, Tashiro T, Saito A, Horiuchi M. Effects of exercise habituation and aging on the intersegmental coordination of lower limbs during walking with sinusoidal speed change. J Physiol Anthropol 2022; 41:24. [PMID: 35676743 PMCID: PMC9175341 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-022-00298-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The time courses of the joint elevation angles of the thigh, shank, and foot in one stride during walking can be well approximated by a “plane” in a triaxial space. This intersegmental coordination (IC) of the lower limb elevation angles is referred to as the planar covariation law. We examined the effects of exercise habituation and aging on the thickness of the IC plane of the lower limbs under sinusoidal speed changing conditions. Methods Seventeen sedentary young (SY), 16 active young (AY), and 16 active elderly (AE) adults walked on a treadmill in accordance with a sinusoidal speed changing protocol at 120, 60, and 30 s periods with an amplitude of ± 0.56 m·s−1. Motion of the lower limbs from the sagittal direction was recorded to calculate the elevation angles of the lower limbs. When the best-fit IC plane was determined, the smallest standard deviation of the IC plane was considered as the anteroposterior gait variability of the lower limbs. The coefficient of variance of the step width was also quantified to evaluate the lateral step variability (CVSW). Results The standard deviation of the IC plane was significantly greater in the order of SY, AY, and AE, regardless of the sinusoidal wave periods of the changing speed. The CVSW was not significantly different among the three groups. Conclusions Exercise habituation influences anteroposterior gait variability of the lower limbs, but not lateral step variability, even in young adults. Given these, gait adaptability for sinusoidal speed changes does not always decline with aging. Trial registration UMIN000031456 (R000035911; registered February 23, 2018). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40101-022-00298-w.
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Muscle Co-Contraction Detection in the Time-Frequency Domain. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22134886. [PMID: 35808382 PMCID: PMC9269699 DOI: 10.3390/s22134886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Background: Muscle co-contraction plays a significant role in motion control. Available detection methods typically only provide information in the time domain. The current investigation proposed a novel approach for muscle co-contraction detection in the time–frequency domain, based on continuous wavelet transform (CWT). Methods: In the current study, the CWT-based cross-energy localization of two surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals in the time–frequency domain, i.e., the CWT coscalogram, was adopted for the first time to characterize muscular co-contraction activity. A CWT-based denoising procedure was applied for removing noise from the sEMG signals. Algorithm performances were checked on synthetic and real sEMG signals, stratified for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and then validated against an approach based on the acknowledged double-threshold statistical algorithm (DT). Results: The CWT approach provided an accurate prediction of co-contraction timing in simulated and real datasets, minimally affected by SNR variability. The novel contribution consisted of providing the frequency values of each muscle co-contraction detected in the time domain, allowing us to reveal a wide variability in the frequency content between subjects and within stride. Conclusions: The CWT approach represents a relevant improvement over state-of-the-art approaches that provide only a numerical co-contraction index or, at best, dynamic information in the time domain. The robustness of the methodology and the physiological reliability of the experimental results support the suitability of this approach for clinical applications.
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17
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Van Wouwe T, Ting LH, De Groote F. An approximate stochastic optimal control framework to simulate nonlinear neuro-musculoskeletal models in the presence of noise. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009338. [PMID: 35675227 PMCID: PMC9176817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal control simulations have shown that both musculoskeletal dynamics and physiological noise are important determinants of movement. However, due to the limited efficiency of available computational tools, deterministic simulations of movement focus on accurately modelling the musculoskeletal system while neglecting physiological noise, and stochastic simulations account for noise while simplifying the dynamics. We took advantage of recent approaches where stochastic optimal control problems are approximated using deterministic optimal control problems, which can be solved efficiently using direct collocation. We were thus able to extend predictions of stochastic optimal control as a theory of motor coordination to include muscle coordination and movement patterns emerging from non-linear musculoskeletal dynamics. In stochastic optimal control simulations of human standing balance, we demonstrated that the inclusion of muscle dynamics can predict muscle co-contraction as minimal effort strategy that complements sensorimotor feedback control in the presence of sensory noise. In simulations of reaching, we demonstrated that nonlinear multi-segment musculoskeletal dynamics enables complex perturbed and unperturbed reach trajectories under a variety of task conditions to be predicted. In both behaviors, we demonstrated how interactions between task constraint, sensory noise, and the intrinsic properties of muscle influence optimal muscle coordination patterns, including muscle co-contraction, and the resulting movement trajectories. Our approach enables a true minimum effort solution to be identified as task constraints, such as movement accuracy, can be explicitly imposed, rather than being approximated using penalty terms in the cost function. Our approximate stochastic optimal control framework predicts complex features, not captured by previous simulation approaches, providing a generalizable and valuable tool to study how musculoskeletal dynamics and physiological noise may alter neural control of movement in both healthy and pathological movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Van Wouwe
- Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lena H. Ting
- W.H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Ebisu S, Kasahara S, Saito H, Ishida T. Decrease in force control among older adults under unpredictable conditions. Exp Gerontol 2021; 158:111649. [PMID: 34875350 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Falls in older adults generally occur during unpredictable situations. Controlling posture through fine-tuned muscle force before and after falls is necessary to avoid serious injuries. However, details regarding force control among older adults during unpredictable situations are unclear. This study determined the features of force control in a random force-tracking task among older adults. METHODS Ten healthy older adults (67-76 years) and eight healthy young adults (20-23 years) participated in three force-tracking tasks with ankle plantar flexion: low-range (LR), high-range (HR), and pseudo-random (PR) force tasks. Force control ability was assessed using the root mean square error (RMSE) between the target and muscle forces produced by the participants. Muscle activities from the lateral head of the gastrocnemius and the tibialis anterior during each task were measured using surface electromyography to calculate the co-contraction index (CCI). RESULTS In all tasks, older adults (RMSEs: 1.09-3.70, CCIs: 29.4-56.4) had a significantly greater RMSEs and CCIs than young adults (RMSEs: 0.49-1.83, CCIs: 11.7-20.6; all, p < 0.05). The RMSEs during force generation were significantly greater than those during force release (LR: p < 0.01, HR: p < 0.05), except for the random force-tracking task in older adults. CCIs during the force release phase in both groups (older adults: 27.8-56.4, young adults: 15.0-20.6) were consistently greater than those during force generation (older adults: 24.5-50.4, young adults: 11.7-17.2). CCIs in force-tracing tasks differed in older adults, whereas those in the random force-tracing task increased. RMSEs and CCIs in the random and LR force-tracing tasks were significantly negatively correlated with the functional reach test (all: r > 0.5, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Force control in older adults declines in low-band and random muscle force output. Moreover, increased CCIs in older adults are particularly pronounced during unpredictable situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Ebisu
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation part, Hokuto Social Medical Corporation Tokachi Rehabilitation Center, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kasahara
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Saito
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tokyo Kasei University, Sayama, Japan
| | - Tomoya Ishida
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Ademiluyi A, Liang H, Aruin AS. Role of angular position of the seat in control of posture in response to external perturbation. Exp Brain Res 2021; 240:481-490. [PMID: 34800142 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06270-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ability of the human body to regain balance after being externally perturbed is important in the maintenance of vertical posture. The goal of this study was to investigate trunk and leg muscle response to external perturbation while sitting on a stool with varying seat inclinations. Ten healthy subjects were required to receive a perturbation applied to the upper body while sitting on an adjustable stool with 0°, 10° forward or 10° backward inclination of the seat and without footrest and leg support. Electromyographic activities of the trunk and leg muscles and center of pressure displacements were recorded and analyzed during the anticipatory (APA) and compensatory (CPA) phases of postural control. APAs and CPAs were generated in response to an external perturbation. Delays in the onset of anticipatory muscle activity were seen when seated on the inclined seat compared to sitting on the horizontal seat (p < 0.05). To maintain balance after a perturbation, participants activated the trunk and thigh muscles, the activity of which was modulated to a greater degree than that of leg muscles. Moreover, they utilized co-contraction of muscles as the main mechanism of balance control in sitting. Furthermore, there was no effect of a seat inclination on COP displacements. The outcome provides a background for future investigations of the effect of seat inclination on control of balance in sitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeolu Ademiluyi
- PhD Program in Rehabilitation Science, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Huaqing Liang
- School of Physical Therapy, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Alexander S Aruin
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1919 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL, USA.
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Keloth SM, Arjunan SP, Raghav S, Kumar DK. Muscle activation strategies of people with early-stage Parkinson's during walking. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2021; 18:133. [PMID: 34496882 PMCID: PMC8425033 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-021-00932-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Some people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) frequently have an unsteady gait with shuffling, reduced strength, and increased rigidity. This study has investigated the difference in the neuromuscular strategies of people with early-stage PD, healthy older adults (HOA) and healthy young adult (HYA) during short-distance walking. Method Surface electromyogram (sEMG) was recorded from tibialis anterior (TA) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles along with the acceleration data from the lower leg from 72 subjects—24 people with early-stage PD, 24 HOA and 24 HYA during short-distance walking on a level surface using wearable sensors. Results There was a significant increase in the co-activation, a reduction in the TA modulation and an increase in the TA-MG lateral asymmetry among the people with PD during a level, straight-line walking. For people with PD, the gait impairment scale was low with an average postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD) score = 5.29 out of a maximum score of 20. Investigating the single and double support phases of the gait revealed that while the muscle activity and co-activation index (CI) of controls modulated over the gait cycle, this was highly diminished for people with PD. The biggest difference between CI of controls and people with PD was during the double support phase of gait. Discussion The study has shown that people with early-stage PD have high asymmetry, reduced modulation, and higher co-activation. They have reduced muscle activity, ability to inhibit antagonist, and modulate their muscle activities. This has the potential for diagnosis and regular assessment of people with PD to detect gait impairments using wearable sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana M Keloth
- Biosignals Lab, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sridhar P Arjunan
- Department of Electronics and Instrumentation, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India
| | | | - Dinesh Kant Kumar
- Biosignals Lab, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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21
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Ghorbanpour Z, Taghizadeh G, Hosseini SA, Pishyareh E, Ghomsheh FT, Bakhshi E, Mehdizadeh H. Overload of anxiety on postural control impairments in chronic stroke survivors: The role of external focus and cognitive task on the automaticity of postural control. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252131. [PMID: 34292945 PMCID: PMC8297887 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the high prevalence of anxiety among chronic stroke survivors and evidence of its negative effects on postural control in healthy subjects, it is unclear whether anxiety also affects postural control in these patients. Recent evidence of improved postural control of healthy subjects by distracting the attention using an external focus (EF) or cognitive task, raises the question of whether similar benefits would be observed in stroke survivors. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of anxiety and distracting the attention on postural control of chronic stroke survivors in terms of both postural sway measures and neuromuscular regulation. Methods Postural sway measures and ankle muscle activity of chronic stroke survivors with the high and low level of anxiety (HA-stroke (n = 17), and LA-stroke (n = 17), respectively) and age-, sex-, height-, and weight-matched healthy subjects (n = 17) were assessed while standing on rigid and foam surfaces under following conditions: baseline, internal focus (IF), EF, simple and hard cognitive tasks (SC and HC, respectively). Results Stroke survivors, particularly HA-stroke participants, showed greater postural sway measures (i.e. postural instability) and enhanced co-contraction of ankle muscles (i.e. stiffening of the neuromuscular system) compared with healthy subjects. As opposed to baseline and IF conditions, postural instability and neuromuscular stiffening significantly reduced in EF condition and decreased more in cognitive task conditions, particularly HC condition. Conclusions The results suggest that anxiety enhances stroke-induced postural instability promoting improper neuromuscular control of posture with stiffening strategy, which can be alleviated by EF and cognitive tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ghorbanpour
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghorban Taghizadeh
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Hosseini
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Pishyareh
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail:
| | - Farhad Tabatabai Ghomsheh
- Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), Tehran,Iran
| | - Enayatollah Bakhshi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), Tehran,Iran
| | - Hajar Mehdizadeh
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
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Rubega M, Formaggio E, Di Marco R, Bertuccelli M, Tortora S, Menegatti E, Cattelan M, Bonato P, Masiero S, Del Felice A. Cortical correlates in upright dynamic and static balance in the elderly. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14132. [PMID: 34238987 PMCID: PMC8266885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93556-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Falls are the second most frequent cause of injury in the elderly. Physiological processes associated with aging affect the elderly's ability to respond to unexpected balance perturbations, leading to increased fall risk. Every year, approximately 30% of adults, 65 years and older, experiences at least one fall. Investigating the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the control of static and dynamic balance in the elderly is an emerging research area. The study aimed to identify cortical and muscular correlates during static and dynamic balance tests in a cohort of young and old healthy adults. We recorded cortical and muscular activity in nine elderly and eight younger healthy participants during an upright stance task in static and dynamic (core board) conditions. To simulate real-life dual-task postural control conditions, the second set of experiments incorporated an oddball visual task. We observed higher electroencephalographic (EEG) delta rhythm over the anterior cortex in the elderly and more diffused fast rhythms (i.e., alpha, beta, gamma) in younger participants during the static balance tests. When adding a visual oddball, the elderly displayed an increase in theta activation over the sensorimotor and occipital cortices. During the dynamic balance tests, the elderly showed the recruitment of sensorimotor areas and increased muscle activity level, suggesting a preferential motor strategy for postural control. This strategy was even more prominent during the oddball task. Younger participants showed reduced cortical and muscular activity compared to the elderly, with the noteworthy difference of a preferential activation of occipital areas that increased during the oddball task. These results support the hypothesis that different strategies are used by the elderly compared to younger adults during postural tasks, particularly when postural and cognitive tasks are combined. The knowledge gained in this study could inform the development of age-specific rehabilitative and assistive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rubega
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padua, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Emanuela Formaggio
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padua, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Marco
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padua, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Margherita Bertuccelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padua, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Stefano Tortora
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Padova, Italy, 35131
| | - Emanuele Menegatti
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Padova, Italy, 35131
| | - Manuela Cattelan
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, 35121, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonato
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Stefano Masiero
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padua, Padova, 35128, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, Padova, 35128, Italy
| | - Alessandra Del Felice
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padua, Padova, 35128, Italy.
- Padova Neuroscience Center, Padova, 35128, Italy.
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Purdom TM, Levers KS, Giles J, Brown L, McPherson CS, Howard J. Accumulative Competitive Season Training Stress Affects Neuromuscular Function and Increases Injury Risk in Uninjured D1 Female Athletes. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 2:610475. [PMID: 33644748 PMCID: PMC7902694 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2020.610475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown that acute competition training stress negatively affects neuromuscular function which can perpetuate a predisposition to injury. This study's aim was to investigate the effect of accumulated competition training stress effect on neuromuscular function and incidence of increased injury risk in uninjured female D1 soccer players. Neuromuscular function was evaluated in fifteen female division I soccer athletes who played >85% of competitive season competitions who were tested for mobility/stability, leg length symmetry, and vertical power at three different points across the competitive season (pre, mid, and post time blocks). Leg length symmetry was measured from the anterior superior iliac spine to the lateral malleolus prior to Y-balance testing. The Y-balance testing measures unilateral anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach achieved in single leg stance using metrics that include L/R normalized composite reach (NCOMP), L/R normalized antiorior reach (NANT), and L/R NCOMP/NANT segmental differences across time. Injury risk was evaluated using validated objective criteria that included: (NCOMP total reach <94% of limb length*3), (NANT reach distance <84% leg length) along with NCOMP and NANT asymmetries >4.0. Maximal vertical power (MVP) was measured via vertical jump. Multiple repeated measures ANOVAs evaluated NCOMP, NANT, MVP, and leg length symmetry across time with LSD post hoc testing when relevant (X ± SD). A significant main effect was found [F(1, 14) = 62.92, p < 0.001; η2 =0.82] with training stress and neuromuscular function without affecting maximal vertical power. Eighty percent of subject's bilateral NCOMP scores fell below the YBT reach standard at midseason (ES = 0.95, p = 0.02) while all subjects NANT reach distance remained below the reach threshold (ES = 0.74, p = 0.003) indicating a 6.5× and 2.5× greater injury risk, respectively. Competition stress affected neuromuscular function without affecting maximal power, which negatively impacted stability and increased injury risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy M Purdom
- Department of Kinesiology, North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Kyle S Levers
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jacob Giles
- Department of Health, Athletic Training, Recreation, and Kinesiology, Longwood University, Farmville, VA, United States
| | - Lindsey Brown
- Department of Health, Athletic Training, Recreation, and Kinesiology, Longwood University, Farmville, VA, United States.,Department of Occupational Therapy, Virginia Common Wealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Chase S McPherson
- Department of Health, Athletic Training, Recreation, and Kinesiology, Longwood University, Farmville, VA, United States
| | - Jordan Howard
- Department of Health, Athletic Training, Recreation, and Kinesiology, Longwood University, Farmville, VA, United States
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24
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Magalhães IEJ, Burgo VC, Neto RB, Mezzarane RA. Changes in the input-output relation of the Hoffmann reflex recruitment curve after submaximal fatiguing contraction of the antagonist muscles. Somatosens Mot Res 2020; 38:54-59. [PMID: 33169647 DOI: 10.1080/08990220.2020.1845135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The central nervous system adapts strategies to compensate the decreased motor capacities of a fatigued muscle. However, data on neurophysiological adaptations of muscles other than those under fatigue are scarce. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of submaximal fatiguing contraction (leading to a task failure) induced in ankle dorsiflexors muscles on the excitability of the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) of an ankle plantarflexor (soleus muscle). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-three physically active males (75.5 ± 8.3 kg; 1.77 ± 0.08 m; 27.0 ± 8.0 years) were asked to maintain the contraction level of the right ankle dorsiflexors at 60% of the maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC). Task failure was defined when the force level dropped below 40% MIVC for 5 consecutive seconds. The input-output relation of the ascending limb of the recruitment curve of the soleus H-reflex was examined at 0 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min and 20 min after the task failure. RESULTS The amplitude parameter representing the first recruited motoneurons (threshold H-reflex - H@th) was significantly higher at 5 min, 10 min, 15 min and 20 min after task failure as compared to control (Hth) (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the parameter that represents the activation of the relatively higher threshold motoneurons (H@100) was reduced (as compared to control - H100), but only at 20 min after the task failure (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest differential reflex modulation of the soleus H-reflex after fatigue of the ankle dorsiflexors, that probably reflects neuronal adaptations underlying motor control around the ankle joint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor E J Magalhães
- Laboratory of Signal Processing and Motor Control, Universidade de Brasília-UnB, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Vinícius C Burgo
- Laboratory of Signal Processing and Motor Control, Universidade de Brasília-UnB, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Roque B Neto
- Laboratory of Signal Processing and Motor Control, Universidade de Brasília-UnB, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo A Mezzarane
- Laboratory of Signal Processing and Motor Control, Universidade de Brasília-UnB, Brasília, Brazil
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25
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Acheche A, Mekki M, Paillard T, Tabka Z, Trabelsi Y. The Effect of Adding Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation with Endurance and Resistance Training on Exercise Capacity and Balance in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Can Respir J 2020; 2020:9826084. [PMID: 33062081 PMCID: PMC7542502 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9826084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effectiveness of adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to endurance training (ET) and resistance training (RT) on exercise tolerance and balance in COPD patients. 42 patients were assigned randomly to the ET + RT + NMES group (n = 22) or ET + RT group (n = 20). Two training programs were performed including 72 sessions. The center of pressure (CoP) displacement in the mediolateral direction (CoPML), in the anteroposterior direction (CoPAP), and the center of pressure velocity (CoPV) were recorded using a stabilometric platform with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Time up and go and Berg Balance Scale tests, 6-minute walking test (6MWT), and the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were measured before and after the intervention. The walking distance, the dyspnea, and the heart rate were improved after the training period (p < 0.001) for both groups (p < 0.05). The ET + RT + NMES group showed better improvement than the ET + RT group in terms of 6MWD. CoPML, CoPAP, and CoPV were significantly (p < 0.001; p < 0.05; p < 0.001, respectively) more improved in EO and EC conditions in the ET + RT + NMES group than the ET + RT group. BBS, TUG, and MVC values improved in both groups after the training (p < 0.001). The performances in TUG and MVC tests were significantly greater in the ET + RT + NMES group than those in the ET + RT group (p < 0.01; p < 0.001, respectively). Combining NMES, RT, and ET improves balance in patients with COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Acheche
- Laboratoire de Recherche Physiologie de l'Exercice et Physiopathologie: de l'intégré au moléculaire « Biologie, Médecine et Santé » (LR19ES09), Faculté de Médecine de Sousse, Sousse 4002, Tunisia
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Sfax3038, Tunisia
| | - Marwa Mekki
- Laboratoire de Recherche Physiologie de l'Exercice et Physiopathologie: de l'intégré au moléculaire « Biologie, Médecine et Santé » (LR19ES09), Faculté de Médecine de Sousse, Sousse 4002, Tunisia
| | - Thierry Paillard
- Movement, Balance, Performance and Health Laboratory (EA 4445), University of Pau and des Pays de l'Adour, Pau 64012, France
| | - Zouhair Tabka
- Laboratoire de Recherche Physiologie de l'Exercice et Physiopathologie: de l'intégré au moléculaire « Biologie, Médecine et Santé » (LR19ES09), Faculté de Médecine de Sousse, Sousse 4002, Tunisia
| | - Yassine Trabelsi
- Laboratoire de Recherche Physiologie de l'Exercice et Physiopathologie: de l'intégré au moléculaire « Biologie, Médecine et Santé » (LR19ES09), Faculté de Médecine de Sousse, Sousse 4002, Tunisia
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26
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Differences in lower extremity muscular coactivation during postural control between healthy and obese adults. Gait Posture 2020; 81:197-204. [PMID: 32795826 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.07.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is well established that obesity is associated with deterioration in postural control that may reduce obese adults' autonomy and increase risks of falls. However, neuromuscular mechanisms through which postural control alterations occur in obese adults remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of obesity on muscle coactivation at the ankle joint during static and dynamic postural control. MATERIALS AND METHODS A control group (CG; n = 20; age = 32.5 ± 7.6 years; BMI = 22.4 ± 2.2 Kg/m²) and an obese group (OG; n = 20; age = 34.2 ± 5.6 years; BMI = 38.6 ± 4.1 Kg/m²) participated in this study. Static postural control was evaluated by center of pressure (CoP) displacements during quiet standing. Dynamic postural control was assessed by the maximal distance traveled by the CoP during a forward lean test. Electromyography activity data for the gastrocnemius medialis (GM), soleus (SOL) and tibialis anterior (TA) were collected during both quiet standing and forward lean tests. Muscle activities were used to calculate two separate coactivation indexes (CI) between ankle plantar and dorsal flexors (GM/TA and SOL/TA, respectively). RESULTS CoP displacements were higher in the OG than in the CG for quiet standing (p < 0.05). When leaning forward, the maximal distance of the CoP was higher in the CG than in the OG (p < 0.05). Only the CI value calculated for SOL/TA was higher in the OG than in the CG for both static and dynamic tasks (p < 0.05). The SOL/TA CI value in the OG was positively correlated with CoP displacements during quiet standing (r = 0.79; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Obesity increases muscle coactivation of the soleus and tibialis anterior muscles at the ankle joint during both static and dynamic postural control. This adaptive neuromuscular response may represent a joint stiffening strategy for enhancing stability. Consequently, increased ankle muscle coactivation could not be considered as a good adaptation in obese adults.
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27
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Cohen RG, Baer JL, Ravichandra R, Kral D, McGowan C, Cacciatore TW. Lighten Up! Postural Instructions Affect Static and Dynamic Balance in Healthy Older Adults. Innov Aging 2020; 4:igz056. [PMID: 32226825 PMCID: PMC7092748 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igz056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Increased fall risk in older adults is associated with declining balance. Previous work showed that brief postural instructions can affect balance control in older adults with Parkinson's disease. Here, we assessed the effects of brief instructions on static and dynamic balance in healthy older adults. Research Design and Methods Nineteen participants practiced three sets of instructions, then attempted to implement each instructional set during: (1) quiet standing on foam for 30 s with eyes open; (2) a 3-s foot lift. "Light" instructions relied on principles of reducing excess tension while encouraging length. "Effortful" instructions relied on popular concepts of effortful posture correction. "Relax" instructions encouraged minimization of effort. We measured kinematics and muscle activity. Results During quiet stance, Effortful instructions increased mediolateral jerk and path length. In the foot lift task, Light instructions led to the longest foot-in-air duration and the smallest anteroposterior variability of the center of mass, Relax instructions led to the farthest forward head position, and Effortful instructions led to the highest activity in torso muscles. Discussion and Implications Thinking of upright posture as effortless may reduce excessive co-contractions and improve static and dynamic balance, while thinking of upright posture as inherently effortful may make balance worse. This may partly account for the benefits of embodied mindfulness practices such as tai chi and Alexander technique for balance in older adults. Pending larger-scale replication, this discovery may enable physiotherapists and teachers of dance, exercise, and martial arts to improve balance and reduce fall risk in their older students and clients simply by modifying how they talk about posture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajal G Cohen
- Department of Psychology and Communication, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
| | - Jason L Baer
- Department of Psychology and Communication, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
| | - Ramyaa Ravichandra
- Department of Psychology and Communication, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
| | - Daniel Kral
- Department of Psychology and Communication, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
| | - Craig McGowan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho.,WWAMI Medical Education Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
| | - Timothy W Cacciatore
- Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Arabian A, Masjoodi S, Makkiabadi B, Ghafari E, Torabi Nassaj E, Zakerian SA. Determination of critical time points in non-collision incidents of elderly passengers in standing position on urban bus. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2020; 21:151-155. [PMID: 32119568 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2020.1723793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Due to the reduced physical ability of elderly, the occurrence of non-collision incidents is higher for these passengers in standing position. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to determine the critical time points of non-collision incidents using the level of leg muscle activity in elderly standing passengers on urban bus.Methods: To determine the critical time points in the occurrence of non-collision incidents, the level of muscular activity of the standing passengers was analyzed using a surface electromyography (surface EMG) device during the movement scenario of the bus. The results of assessing the leg muscle activity was analyzed in SPSS software.Results: The contraction pattern of the leg muscles in standing passengers was consistent with Newton's First Law. The results showed that the level of muscular activity decreased in the right leg muscles when changing the phase of bus motion from acceleration to constant velocity. This level of muscular activity in the left leg muscles increased when constant velocity changed to deceleration. These changes were quite significant in the medial gastrocnemius and soleus muscles (P < 0.05).Conclusions: According to these findings, it was found that the acceleration and deceleration phases, especially the starting and changing phases of bus motion, are the most critical time points in the occurrence of non-collision incidents in elderly standing passengers on urban bus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Arabian
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Masjoodi
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahador Makkiabadi
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ghafari
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Torabi Nassaj
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Abolfazl Zakerian
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
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Role of a single session of ball throwing exercise on postural control in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Eur J Appl Physiol 2019; 120:443-451. [PMID: 31865426 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-019-04289-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of training in improvement of balance control in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS Older adults (mean age 78) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and cognitively intact older adults (mean age 72) were exposed to self-initiated perturbations while performing bilateral shoulder flexion task before and after a single training session consisting of throwing a medicine ball. EMG activity of six trunk and lower limb muscles was recorded. Muscle onsets, integrals of EMG, and muscle co-contraction (C) and reciprocal (R) activation indices were calculated and analyzed during the anticipatory and compensatory phases of postural control. RESULTS Anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) were observed in both groups. Individuals with MCI, as compared to controls, had higher level of co-contraction of muscles. The training resulted in enhancement of the generation of APAs in individuals with MCI seen as earlier onset of leg and trunk muscle activity prior to the bilateral arm flexion task. While smaller co-contraction of muscles post-training was seen in both the groups, the effect of a single training session was significant in control subjects only. CONCLUSIONS The outcome of the exploratory study suggests that perturbation-based training could be used to improve balance control in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment.
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30
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Gebel A, Lüder B, Granacher U. Effects of Increasing Balance Task Difficulty on Postural Sway and Muscle Activity in Healthy Adolescents. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1135. [PMID: 31551811 PMCID: PMC6733969 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence-based prescriptions for balance training in youth have recently been established. However, there is currently no standardized means available to assess and quantify balance task difficulty (BTD). Therefore, the objectives of this study were to examine the effects of graded BTD on postural sway, lower limb muscle activity and coactivation in adolescents. Thirteen healthy high-school students aged 16 to 17 volunteered to participate in this cross-sectional study. Testing involved participants to stand on a commercially available balance board with an adjustable pivot that allowed six levels of increasing task difficulty. Postural sway [i.e., total center of pressure (CoP) displacements] and lower limb muscle activity were recorded simultaneously during each trial. Surface electromyography (EMG) was applied in muscles encompassing the ankle (m. tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, peroneus longus) and knee joint (m. vastus medialis, biceps femoris). The coactivation index (CAI) was calculated for ankle and thigh muscles. Repeated measures analyses of variance revealed a significant main effect of BTD with increasing task difficulty for postural sway (p < 0.001; d = 6.36), muscle activity (p < 0.001; 2.19 < d < 4.88), and CAI (p < 0.001; 1.32 < d < 1.41). Multiple regression analyses showed that m. tibialis anterior activity best explained overall CoP displacements with 32.5% explained variance (p < 0.001). The observed increases in postural sway, lower limb muscle activity, and coactivation indicate increasing postural demands while standing on the balance board. Thus, the examined board can be implemented in balance training to progressively increase BTD in healthy adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnd Gebel
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Research Focus Cognition Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Benjamin Lüder
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Research Focus Cognition Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Urs Granacher
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, Research Focus Cognition Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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31
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Eckardt N, Rosenblatt NJ. Healthy aging does not impair lower extremity motor flexibility while walking across an uneven surface. Hum Mov Sci 2018; 62:67-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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32
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Kim D, Hwang JM. The center of pressure and ankle muscle co-contraction in response to anterior-posterior perturbations. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207667. [PMID: 30496202 PMCID: PMC6264860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Though both contraction of agonist muscles and co-contraction of antagonistic muscle pairs across the ankle joint are essential to postural stability, they are perceived to operate independently of each other, In an antagonistic setup, agonist muscles contract generating moment about the joint, while antagonist muscles contract generating stiffness across the joint. While both work together in maintaining robustness in the face of external perturbations, contractions of agonist muscles and co-contractions of antagonistic muscle pairs across the ankle joint play different roles in responding to and adapting to external perturbations. To determine their respective roles, we exposed participants to repeated perturbations in both large and small magnitudes. The center of pressure (COP) and a co-contraction index (CCI) were used to quantify the activation of agonist muscles and antagonistic muscle pairs across the ankle joint. Our results found that participants generated moment of a large magnitude across the ankle joint—a large deviation in the COP curve—in response to perturbations of a large magnitude (p <0.05), whereas the same participants generated higher stiffness about the ankle—a larger value in CCI—in response to perturbations of a small magnitude (p <0.05). These results indicate that participants use different postural strategies pertaining to circumstances. Further, the moment across the ankle decreased with repetitions of the same perturbation (p <0.05), and CCI tended to remain unchanged even in response to a different perturbation following repetition of the same perturbation (p <0.05). These findings suggest that ankle muscle contraction and co-contraction play different roles in regaining and maintaining postural stability. This study demonstrates that ankle moment and stiffness are not correlated in response to external perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwon Kim
- Department of Biongineering, School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DK); (JMH)
| | - Jong-Moon Hwang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- * E-mail: (DK); (JMH)
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Iwamoto Y, Takahashi M, Shinkoda K. Muscle co-contraction in elderly people change due to postural stability during single-leg standing. J Physiol Anthropol 2017; 36:43. [PMID: 29246187 PMCID: PMC5732377 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-017-0159-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle co-contraction is the simultaneous contraction of agonist and antagonist muscles crossing a joint, and it increases with age. This study primarily aimed to clarify the difference in the effect of a light fingertip contact to stationary surface on postural sway and muscle co-contraction during single-leg standing (SLS) between young and elderly groups; the secondary aim was to reveal the quantitative difference in the muscle co-contraction of the ankle joint among the three different support structure conditions in the elderly group. METHODS This study included eight young adults (age 23.4 ± 2.6 years) and nine community dwelling older adults (age 74.7 ± 3.4 years). The task was SLS under the following conditions: (1) no supporting structure, FR; (2) light index fingertip contact to a stationary supporting structure (to touch in force < 1 N), LT; and (3) dependence on a supporting structure for stabilization as desired, DO. Center of pressure (COP) variables [root-mean-square distance (RDIST), total excursion (TOTEX), mean velocity (MVELO), and standard deviation area (AREA-SD)] and the co-contraction index (CI) between the tibialis anterior and soleus were measured using surface electromyography. RESULTS With regard to the effect of the light fingertip contact to stationary surface, in the young group, TOTEX, MVELO, AREA-SD, and CI during SLS were smaller under the LT condition than under the FR condition. However, in the elderly group, only AREA-SD and CI were smaller under the LT condition than under the FR condition. No significant difference was observed in COP variables and CI under the DO condition between the young and elderly groups. CONCLUSION Both young and elderly groups could decrease muscle co-contraction using the light fingertip contact. On the other hand, in the elderly group, COP variables showed a limited effect from the light fingertip contact; only the "sway" domain measure (AREA-SD). Both young and elderly groups showed the smallest CI under the DO condition. Therefore, the elderly group could decrease muscle co-contraction of the ankle joint depending on postural stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Iwamoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 2-3 Kasumi 1-chome, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Makoto Takahashi
- Department of Biomechanics, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 2-3 Kasumi 1-chome, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan.,Center for Advanced Practice and Research of Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 2-3 Kasumi 1-chome, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Koichi Shinkoda
- Department of Biomechanics, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 2-3 Kasumi 1-chome, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan. .,Center for Advanced Practice and Research of Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 2-3 Kasumi 1-chome, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan.
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Iwamoto Y, Takahashi M, Shinkoda K. Correction to: Differences of muscle co-contraction of the ankle joint between young and elderly adults during dynamic postural control at different speeds. J Physiol Anthropol 2017; 36:38. [PMID: 29141682 PMCID: PMC5686950 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-017-0154-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Iwamoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 2-3 Kasumi 1-chome, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Makoto Takahashi
- Department of Biomechanics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 2-3 Kasumi 1-chome, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan.,The Center for Advanced Practice and Research of Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 2-3 Kasumi 1-chome, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Koichi Shinkoda
- Department of Biomechanics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 2-3 Kasumi 1-chome, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan. .,The Center for Advanced Practice and Research of Rehabilitation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 2-3 Kasumi 1-chome, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan.
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