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Contralateral v ipsilateral cane use. Effects on muscles crossing the knee joint
M M Vargo1, L R Robinson, J J Nicholas
1Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hospitals of the University Health Center of Pittsburgh, Presbyterian University Hospital, Pennsylvania.
Summary
Using a cane contralaterally may not reduce knee muscle activity and can increase hamstring engagement. Cane use impacts knee muscles differently than hip muscles, with some activities increasing.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Kinesiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Contralateral cane use reduces hip muscle activity.
- Effects of cane use on knee musculature are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ipsilateral and contralateral cane use on knee and hip muscle activity during standing.
- To quantify changes in quadriceps, hamstring, gastrocnemius, and hip abductor activity with varying cane forces.
Main Methods:
- Electromyography (EMG) recorded from knee and hip muscles in 10 healthy subjects.
- Subjects performed two-legged stance, unsupported one-legged stance, and one-legged stance with ipsilateral/contralateral cane use at varying forces.
- EMG data expressed as a percentage of unsupported one-legged stance activity.
Main Results:
- Hip abductor activity decreased with maximal contralateral cane force (66%) but increased with maximal ipsilateral force (424%).
- Medial hamstring activity significantly increased with maximal (404%) and moderate (200%) contralateral cane force.
- Quadriceps and gastrocnemius activity generally decreased with cane use, but hamstring activity increased with contralateral cane use.
Conclusions:
- Contralateral cane use does not uniformly reduce knee muscular activity and may increase hamstring activity.
- The effect of cane use on lower limb musculature is complex and depends on cane placement and applied force.