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Repeatability of surface EMG during gait in children
Kevin P Granata1, Darin A Padua, Mark F Abel
1Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 219 Norris Hall (0219), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. granata@vt.edu
Pediatric gait electromyography (EMG) shows similar between-session variability to adults, but within-session variability is double. This highlights the need for careful interpretation of pediatric gait data.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Biomechanics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Muscle recruitment and electromyography (EMG) patterns stabilize by age 6-8 years in children.
- EMG waveform shape may require further development for stable gait patterns.
- Pediatric EMG variability during gait is not well-characterized compared to adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify intra-session and inter-session variability of lower limb muscle EMG waveforms during walking in children.
- To compare pediatric gait EMG variability with published adult data.
Main Methods:
- Healthy-normal children walked at self-selected speeds.
- Phasic EMG waveform patterns from lower limb muscles were analyzed.
- Variance ratio was used to quantify EMG waveform repeatability.
Main Results:
- Between-session EMG waveform variability in children was similar to adults.
- Within-session EMG waveform variability in children was approximately twice that of adults.
- Pediatric gait EMG exhibits higher intra-session variability.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric gait EMG data requires cautious interpretation due to higher within-session variability.
- Limited trial samples or inter-session changes may impact performance assessments in children.
- Understanding pediatric EMG variability is crucial for accurate clinical assessment.
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