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Postural movement pattern and muscle action sequence associated with self-paced bilateral arm flexion during standing
Katsuo Fujiwara1, Kaoru Maeda, Kenji Kunita
1Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-machi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan. fujikatu@med.kanazawa-u.ac.jp
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|April 25, 2007
Summary
This study reveals distinct postural muscle activation patterns during rapid arm flexion in healthy adults. Muscle activation timing differs based on hip joint movement type, influencing overall body stability.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Understanding postural control is crucial for preventing falls and optimizing movement.
- Rapid arm movements require coordinated postural adjustments to maintain balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify postural movement patterns during rapid arm flexion.
- To analyze the sequence of postural muscle activation in relation to movement patterns.
Main Methods:
- Healthy adults (48 men, 53 women) performed rapid arm flexion while standing.
- Postural movement was assessed via ankle and hip joint angles.
- Electromyograms (EMG) recorded anterior deltoid, biceps femoris, and erector spinae activity.
Main Results:
- Three postural movement patterns were identified: hip flexion (26%), backward leaning (55%), and hip extension (19%).
- Ankle and hip joint angles followed a consistent linear regression across sexes.
- Biceps femoris and erector spinae activation preceded anterior deltoid activation in backward leaning and hip extension types.
Conclusions:
- Postural muscle activation timing is dependent on the specific movement strategy adopted during arm flexion.
- The backward leaning and hip extension patterns involve anticipatory postural adjustments.
- Individual strategies for maintaining balance during dynamic tasks vary significantly.
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