scholarly journals Aging Affects Lower Limb Joint Moments and Muscle Responses to a Split-Belt Treadmill Perturbation

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongyual Yoo ◽  
Junmo An ◽  
Kap-Ho Seo ◽  
Beom-Chan Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Young Group ◽  
Joint Moments ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Muscle Responses ◽  
Perturbation Period

Age-related changes cause more fall-related injuries and impede the recoveries by older adults compared to younger adults. This study assessed the lower limb joint moments and muscle responses to split-belt treadmill perturbations in two groups (14 healthy young group [23.36 ± 2.90 years] and 14 healthy older group [70.93 ± 4.36 years]) who performed two trials of unexpected split-belt treadmill perturbations while walking on a programmable split-belt treadmill. A motion capture system quantified the lower limb joint moments, and a wireless electromyography system recorded the lower limb muscle responses. The compensatory limb's (i.e., the tripped limb's contralateral side) joint moments and muscle responses were computed during the pre-perturbation period (the five gait cycles before the onset of a split-belt treadmill perturbation) and the recovery period (from the split-belt treadmill perturbation to the baseline gait relying on the ground reaction forces' profile). Joint moments were assessed by maximum joint moments, and muscle responses were quantified by the normalization (%) and co-contraction index (CCI). Joint moments and muscle responses of the compensatory limb during the recovery period were significantly higher for the YG than the OG, and joint moments (e.g., knee flexion and extension and hip flexion moments) and muscle responses during the recovery period were higher compared to the pre-perturbation period for both groups. For CCI, the older group showed significantly higher co-contraction for biceps femoris/rectus femoris muscles than the young group during the recovery period. For both groups, co-contraction for biceps femoris/rectus femoris muscles was higher during the pre-perturbation period than the recovery period. The study confirmed that older adults compensated for muscle weakness by using lower joint moments and muscle activations and increasing muscle co-contractions to recover balance after split-belt treadmill perturbations. A better understanding of the recovery mechanisms of older adults who train on fall-inducing systems could improve therapeutic regimens.

scholarly journals Losing touch: age-related changes in plantar skin sensitivity, lower limb cutaneous reflex strength, and postural stability in older adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 1848-1858 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan M. Peters ◽  
Monica D. McKeown ◽  
Mark G. Carpenter ◽  
J. Timothy Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Postural Stability ◽  
Tibialis Anterior ◽  
Tibialis Anterior Muscle ◽  
Quiet Standing ◽  
Detection Thresholds ◽  
Cutaneous Reflex ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Changes

Age-related changes in the density, morphology, and physiology of plantar cutaneous receptors negatively impact the quality and quantity of balance-relevant information arising from the foot soles. Plantar perceptual sensitivity declines with age and may predict postural instability; however, alteration in lower limb cutaneous reflex strength may also explain greater instability in older adults and has yet to be investigated. We replicated the age-related decline in sensitivity by assessing monofilament and vibrotactile (30 and 250 Hz) detection thresholds near the first metatarsal head bilaterally in healthy young and older adults. We additionally applied continuous 30- and 250-Hz vibration to drive mechanically evoked reflex responses in the tibialis anterior muscle, measured via surface electromyography. To investigate potential relationships between plantar sensitivity, cutaneous reflex strength, and postural stability, we performed posturography in subjects during quiet standing without vision. Anteroposterior and mediolateral postural stability decreased with age, and increases in postural sway amplitude and frequency were significantly correlated with increases in plantar detection thresholds. With 30-Hz vibration, cutaneous reflexes were observed in 95% of young adults but in only 53% of older adults, and reflex gain, coherence, and cumulant density at 30 Hz were lower in older adults. Reflexes were not observed with 250-Hz vibration, suggesting this high-frequency cutaneous input is filtered out by motoneurons innervating tibialis anterior. Our findings have important implications for assessing the risk of balance impairment in older adults.

Age-related susceptibility to muscle damage following mechanotherapy in rats recovering from disuse atrophy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary R Hettinger ◽  
Kyoko Hamagata ◽  
Amy L Confides ◽  
Marcus M Lawrence ◽  
Benjamin F Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Hindlimb Suspension ◽  
Disuse Atrophy ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Transverse Stiffness ◽  
Age Related

Abstract The inability to fully recover lost muscle mass following periods of disuse atrophy predisposes older adults to lost independence and poor quality of life. We have previously shown that mechanotherapy at a moderate load (4.5 N) enhances muscle mass recovery following atrophy in adult, but not older adult rats. We propose that elevated transverse stiffness in aged muscle inhibits the growth response to mechanotherapy and hypothesize that a higher load (7.6 N) will overcome this resistance to mechanical stimuli. F344/BN adult and older adult male rats underwent 14-days of hindlimb suspension, followed by 7-days of recovery with (RE+M) or without (RE) mechanotherapy at 7.6 N on gastrocnemius muscle. The 7.6 N load was determined by measuring transverse passive stiffness and linearly scaling up from 4.5 N. No differences in protein turnover or mean fiber cross sectional area were observed between RE and RE+M for older adult rats or adult rats at 7.6 N. However, there was a higher number of small muscle fibers present in older adult, but not adult rats, which was explained by a 16-fold increase in the frequency of small fibers expressing embryonic myosin heavy chain. Elevated central nucleation, satellite cell abundance, and dystrophin -/laminin + fibers were present in older adult rats only following 7.6 N, while 4.5 N did not induce damage at either age. We conclude that age is an important variable when considering load used during mechanotherapy and age-related transverse stiffness may predispose older adults to damage during the recovery period following disuse atrophy.

scholarly journals Lower-Limb Factors Associated with Balance and Falls in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Clinical Synthesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 110 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Neville ◽  
Hung Nguyen ◽  
Kim Ross ◽  
Mariana Wingood ◽  
Elizabeth Walker Peterson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Direct Link ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Falls In Older Adults

Background Despite sufficient evidence to suggest that lower-limb–related factors may contribute to fall risk in older adults, lower-limb and footwear influences on fall risk have not been systematically summarized for readers and clinicians. The purpose of this study was to systematically review and synethesize the literature related to lower-limb, foot, and footwear factors that may increase the risk of falling among community-dwelling older adults. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and AgeLine. To describe the trajectory toward increasing risk of falls, we examined those articles that linked age-related changes in the lower limb or footwear to prospective falls or linked them to evidenced-based fall risk factors, such as gait and balance impairment. Results This systematic review consisted of 81 articles that met the review criteria, and the results reflect a narrative review of the appraised literature for eight pathways of lower-limb–related influences on fall risk in older adults. Six of the eight pathways support a direct link to fall risk. Two other pathways link to the intermediate factors but lack studies that provide evidence of a direct link. Conclusions This review provides strong guidance to advance understanding and assist with managing the link between lower-limb factors and falls in older adults. Due to the lack of literature in specific areas, some recommendations were based on observational studies and should be applied with caution until further research can be completed.

scholarly journals Corticospinal Control of Human Locomotion as a New Determinant of Age-Related Sarcopenia: An Exploratory Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Gennaro ◽  
Paolo Maino ◽  
Alain Kaelin-Lang ◽  
Katrien De Bock ◽  
Eling D. de Bruin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Roc Curves ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Human Locomotion ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Muscle Disease ◽  
International Consensus ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Control And Prevention

Sarcopenia is a muscle disease listed within the ICD-10 classification. Several operational definitions have been created for sarcopenia screening; however, an international consensus is lacking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently recognized that sarcopenia detection requires improved diagnosis and screening measures. Mounting evidence hints towards changes in the corticospinal communication system where corticomuscular coherence (CMC) reflects an effective mechanism of corticospinal interaction. CMC can be assessed during locomotion by means of simultaneously measuring Electroencephalography (EEG) and Electromyography (EMG). The aim of this study was to perform sarcopenia screening in community-dwelling older adults and explore the possibility of using CMC assessed during gait to discriminate between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves showed high sensitivity, precision and accuracy of CMC assessed from EEG Cz sensor and EMG sensors located over Musculus Vastus Medialis [Cz-VM; AUC (95.0%CI): 0.98 (0.92–1.04), sensitivity: 1.00, 1-specificity: 0.89, p < 0.001] and with Musculus Biceps Femoris [Cz-BF; AUC (95.0%CI): 0.86 (0.68–1.03), sensitivity: 1.00, 1-specificity: 0.70, p < 0.001]. These muscles showed significant differences with large magnitude of effect between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults [Hedge’s g (95.0%CI): 2.2 (1.3–3.1), p = 0.005 and Hedge’s g (95.0%CI): 1.5 (0.7–2.2), p = 0.010; respectively]. The novelty of this exploratory investigation is the hint toward a novel possible determinant of age-related sarcopenia, derived from corticospinal control of locomotion and shown by the observed large differences in CMC when sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults are compared. This, in turn, might represent in future a potential treatment target to counteract sarcopenia as well as a parameter to monitor the progression of the disease and/or the potential recovery following other treatment interventions.

scholarly journals Stumbling Over Obstacles in Older Adults Compared to Young Adults

2005 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 1158-1168 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Schillings ◽  
Th. Mulder ◽  
J. Duysens
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Risk Of Falling ◽  
Leg Muscles ◽  
Long Latency Responses ◽  
Long Latency ◽  
Movement Strategies

Falls are a major problem in older adults. Many falls occur because of stumbling. The aim of the present study is to investigate stumbling reactions of older adults and to compare them with young adults. While subjects walked on a treadmill, a rigid obstacle unexpectedly obstructed the forward sway of the foot. In general, older adults used the same movement strategies as young adults (“elevating” and “lowering”). The electromyographic responses were categorized according to latencies: short-latency (about 45 ms, RP1), medium-latency (about 80 ms, RP2), and long-latency responses (about 110 ms, RP3; about 160 ms, RP4). Latencies of RP1 responses increased by about 6 ms and of RP2 by 10–19 ms in older adults compared with the young. Amplitudes of RP1 were similar for both age groups, whereas amplitudes of RP2–RP4 could differ. In the early-swing elevating strategy (perturbed foot directly lifted over the obstacle) older adults showed smaller responses in ipsilateral upper-leg muscles (biceps femoris and rectus femoris). This was related to shorter swing durations, more shortened step distances, and more failures in clearing the obstacle. In parallel, RP4 activity in the contralateral biceps femoris was enhanced, possibly pointing to a higher demand for trunk stabilization. In the late-swing lowering strategy (foot placed on the treadmill before clearing the obstacle) older adults showed lower RP2–RP3 responses in most muscles measured. However, kinematic responses were similar to those of the young. It is concluded that the changes in muscular responses in older adults induce a greater risk of falling after tripping, especially in early swing.

scholarly journals The Effect of Step Width on Muscle Contributions to Body Mass Center Acceleration During the First Stance of Sprinting

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruoli Wang ◽  
Laura Martín de Azcárate ◽  
Paul Sandamas ◽  
Anton Arndt ◽  
Elena M. Gutierrez-Farewik
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Center Of Mass ◽  
Gluteus Maximus ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Gluteus Medius ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
The Body ◽  
Step Width ◽  
Acceleration Analysis

BackgroundAt the beginning of a sprint, the acceleration of the body center of mass (COM) is driven mostly forward and vertically in order to move from an initial crouched position to a more forward-leaning position. Individual muscle contributions to COM accelerations have not been previously studied in a sprint with induced acceleration analysis, nor have muscle contributions to the mediolateral COM accelerations received much attention. This study aimed to analyze major lower-limb muscle contributions to the body COM in the three global planes during the first step of a sprint start. We also investigated the influence of step width on muscle contributions in both naturally wide sprint starts (natural trials) and in sprint starts in which the step width was restricted (narrow trials).MethodMotion data from four competitive sprinters (2 male and 2 female) were collected in their natural sprint style and in trials with a restricted step width. An induced acceleration analysis was performed to study the contribution from eight major lower limb muscles (soleus, gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, vasti, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, and adductors) to acceleration of the body COM.ResultsIn natural trials, soleus was the main contributor to forward (propulsion) and vertical (support) COM acceleration and the three vasti (vastus intermedius, lateralis and medialis) were the main contributors to medial COM acceleration. In the narrow trials, soleus was still the major contributor to COM propulsion, though its contribution was considerably decreased. Likewise, the three vasti were still the main contributors to support and to medial COM acceleration, though their contribution was lower than in the natural trials. Overall, most muscle contributions to COM acceleration in the sagittal plane were reduced. At the joint level, muscles contributed overall more to COM support than to propulsion in the first step of sprinting. In the narrow trials, reduced COM propulsion and particularly support were observed compared to the natural trials.ConclusionThe natural wide steps provide a preferable body configuration to propel and support the COM in the sprint starts. No advantage in muscular contributions to support or propel the COM was found in narrower step widths.

Different Muscle-Recruitment Strategies Among Elite Breaststrokers

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 1061-1065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brice Guignard ◽  
Bjørn H. Olstad ◽  
David Simbaña Escobar ◽  
Jessy Lauer ◽  
Per-Ludvik Kjendlie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
National Level ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Elite Group ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
High Level

Purpose:To investigate electromyographical (EMG) profiles characterizing the lower-limb flexion-extension in an aquatic environment in high-level breaststrokers.Methods:The 2-dimensional breaststroke kick of 1 international- and 2 national-level female swimmers was analyzed during 2 maximal 25-m swims. The activities of biceps femoris, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior were recorded.Results:The breaststroke kick was divided in 3 phases, according to the movements performed in the sagittal plane: push phase (PP) covering 27% of the total kick duration, glide phase (GP) 41%, and recovery phase (RP) 32%. Intrasubject reproducibility of the EMG and kinematics was observed from 1 stroke cycle to another. In addition, important intersubject kinematic reproducibility was noted, whereas muscle activities discriminated the subjects: The explosive Pp was characterized by important muscle-activation peaks. During the recovery, muscles were likewise solicited for swimmers 1 (S1) and 2 (S2), while the lowest activities were observed during GP for S2 and swimmer 3 (S3), but not for S1, who maintained major muscle solicitations.Conclusions:The main muscle activities were observed during PP to perform powerful lower-limb extension. The most-skilled swimmer (S1) was the only 1 to solicit her muscles during GP to actively reach better streamlining. Important activation peaks during RP correspond to the limbs acting against water drag. Such differences in EMG strategies among an elite group highlight the importance of considering the muscle parameters used to effectively control the intensity of activation among the phases for a more efficient breaststroke kick.

Acute Effects of Different Stretching Techniques on Lower Limb Kinematics, Kinetics and Muscle Activities during Vertical Jump

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Zi Xiang Gao ◽  
Yang Song ◽  
Pei Min Yu ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Shu Dong Li
Keyword(s):  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Vertical Jump ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Acute Effects ◽  
Warm Up ◽  
Gastrocnemius Medialis ◽  
Limb Kinematics ◽  
Lower Limb Kinematics

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of different stretching techniques on performance and lower limb kinematics, kinetics and muscle activities during vertical jump in female aerobics athletes. 10 female college aerobics athletes participated in this study. Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data, as well as electromyography of rectus femoris, biceps femoris and gastrocnemius medialis were collected using Vicon motion analysis system, Kistler force plate and Wireless surface electromyographic system respectively during the test. No significant differences in jump height had been determined among these 3 warm-up methods. Hip peak flexion and internal rotation angles decreased significantly after BSM and peak adduction angle decreased significantly after SSM and BSM during landing. Knee peak flexion and internal rotation angles increased significantly after SSM and BSM during take-off. Also, BSM showed significantly greater peak flexion compared with SSM. Ankle peak plantarflexion angle increased significantly after BSM. In addition, BSM showed significantly greater improvement in the variation range than SSM except for the ankle int-external rotation. Existence of no significant differences in the peak value of vertical ground reaction force during take-off and landing phase had been determined among these 3 warm-up methods, and muscle activities of rectus femoris, biceps femoris and gastrocnemius medialis were likewise not significantly different. The results of this study suggest that it would be suitable for female aerobics athletes to perform ballistic stretching in warm-up in order to improve flexibility without decreasing the following vertical jumping event and may also reduce the risk of ankle sprain injury.

The Effect of Saddle Position on Maximal Power Output and Moment Generating Capacity of Lower Limb Muscles during Isokinetic Cycling

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeroen Vrints ◽  
Erwin Koninckx ◽  
Marc Van Leemputte ◽  
Ilse Jonkers
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Knee Kinematics ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Leg Length ◽  
Maximal Power ◽  
Maximal Power Output ◽  
Generating Capacity

Saddle position affects mechanical variables during submaximal cycling, but little is known about its effect on mechanical performance during maximal cycling. Therefore, this study relates saddle position to experimentally obtained maximal power output and theoretically calculated moment generating capacity of hip, knee and ankle muscles during isokinetic cycling. Ten subjects performed maximal cycling efforts (5 s at 100 rpm) at different saddle positions varying ± 2 cm around the in literature suggested optimal saddle position (109% of inner leg length), during which crank torque and maximal power output were determined. In a subgroup of 5 subjects, lower limb kinematics were additionally recorded during submaximal cycling at the different saddle positions. A decrease in maximal power output was found for lower saddle positions. Recorded changes in knee kinematics resulted in a decrease in moment generating capacity of biceps femoris, rectus femoris and vastus intermedius at the knee. No differences in muscle moment generating capacity were found at hip and ankle. Based on these results we conclude that lower saddle positions are less optimal to generate maximal power output, as it mainly affects knee joint kinematics, compromising mechanical performance of major muscle groups acting at the knee.

Analysis of Lower Limb Muscle Function in Ergometer Rowing

1988 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.-M. John Wilson ◽  
D. Gordon E. Robertson ◽  
J. Peter Stothart
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Function ◽  
Tibialis Anterior ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Gluteus Maximus ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Peak Force ◽  
Lower Limb Muscle ◽  
Limb Muscle

In an effort to seek further understanding of lower limb muscle function in the rowing movement, an electromyographic analysis was undertaken of rowers rowing on a Gjessing ergometer. A strain gauged transducer was inserted in the ergometer linkage between handle and flywheel to detect pulling force. Electrodes were placed on the following lower limb muscles: gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior. Linear envelope electromyograms from each muscle and the force signals were sampled synchronously at 50 Hz. The results indicated that all six muscles were active from catch to finish of the drive phase. Biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, gastrocnemius, and vastus lateralis all began their activity at or just prior to catch and reached maximal excitation near peak force of the stroke. Rectus femoris and tibialis anterior activity began prior to the catch and reached maximal excitation subsequent to peak force. The coactivation of the five leg muscles, of which four were biarticular, included potentially antagonistic actions that would cancel each other’s effects. Clearly, however, other explanations must be considered. Both gastrocnemius and biceps femoris have been shown to act as knee extensors and may do so in the case of the rowing action. Furthermore, rectus femoris may act with unchanging length as a knee extensor by functioning as a rigid link between the pelvis and tibia. In this manner, energy created by the hip extensors is transferred across the knee joint via the isometrically contracting rectus femoris muscle.

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