Application of the segment weight dynamic movement method to the normalization of gait EMG amplitude

This study aims at determining the applicability of a segment weight dynamic movement (SWDM) method as an alternative for normalizing gait EMGs in comparison with the conventional isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) method. The SWDM method employs reference exercises, each being a dynamic, repetitive movement of a joint under the load of the segment weight (i.e., the total weight of all segments distal to the joint). EMG amplitudes of 28 healthy male subjects walking at 120 steps/min were normalized by the two methods. CV and VR were used to assess the inter-individual variability of both the normalized gait EMG for 8 muscles. The CV and VR values attained with the two methods were close to each other, as well as to those obtained by other researchers using the isometric MVC method. These results suggest that the SWDM method has a comparable level of applicability to gait EMG normalization as the isometric MVC method.