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Published on: May 26, 2020
Electromyographic patterns and knee joint kinematics during walking at various speeds
L Arendt-Nielsen1, T Sinkjær, J Nielsen
1The Laboratory for Motor Control, Department of Medical Informatics, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
Summary
Increasing walking speed enhances lower limb muscle activity and knee joint movement, yet the central nervous system (CNS) preserves the fundamental shape of knee joint kinematics during locomotion.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Neuroscience
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Understanding how the central nervous system (CNS) adapts motor control strategies during locomotion is crucial.
- Investigating changes in muscle activity and joint motion with varying walking speeds provides insights into motor adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine surface electromyographic (EMG) patterns and knee joint kinematics during increased walking speeds.
- To determine how the CNS modulates muscle activity and joint movement during horizontal and inclined walking.
Main Methods:
- Recorded EMG signals from six lower limb muscles in 10 subjects.
- Measured knee joint flexion/extension angles using a goniometer.
- Analyzed mean and peak EMG amplitudes, EMG profiles, knee joint angle, angular velocity, and acceleration at different speeds.
Main Results:
- Modulations in mean and peak EMG amplitudes varied across different lower limb muscles with increased speed.
- Peak knee joint angle, velocity, and acceleration significantly increased with higher walking speeds.
- The shape of EMG profiles and knee joint kinematic profiles remained consistent despite speed alterations.
Conclusions:
- The CNS maintains the characteristic shape of the knee joint movement pattern even with substantial changes in EMG amplitude.
- Locomotion adaptation to increased speed involves adjustments in muscle activation magnitude rather than fundamental movement pattern changes.
