Feedback of joint angle and EMG in gait of able-bodied subjects

Recent developments in the ability to identify discrete disturbances in gait patterns have led to the development of a computer-assisted feedback system which can provide continuous visual and auditory feedback to a walking subject concerning some discrete aspect of his gait. The purpose of this study was to determine if able-bodied subjects could use this feedback to modify their gait according to externally imposed targets set for exaggerated joint motions or muscle activity, or for changes in the timing of these movements, or for both parameters together. Two groups of able-bodied older adults were presented with either knee and ankle joint angle feedback or quadriceps electromyographic feedback over four identical sessions. Records were kept of performance relative to the targets set for amplitude, timing, and for both parameters together. Results indicated that able-bodied subjects could modify the amplitude and timing of movements in the presence of feedback; they also suggested that the use of this approach in the reeducation of pathologic gait patients should be explored.