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Differences in muscle activation patterns during sit to stand task among subjects with and without intellectual
Antonio I Cuesta-Vargas1, Manuel González-Sánchez
1School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia ; Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain.
Muscle activity patterns during the sit-to-stand movement differ between individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and healthy controls. This study analyzed lower limb muscle engagement in both groups.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Understanding motor control in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
- The sit-to-stand (STS) movement is a fundamental functional activity that requires complex neuromuscular coordination.
- Differences in muscle activation patterns may underlie functional mobility challenges in individuals with ID.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the muscle activity patterns during the sit-to-stand transition in adults with and without intellectual disability.
- To identify potential neuromuscular differences that could explain variations in movement execution.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Participants were divided into two groups: adults with intellectual disability (n=8) and healthy adults without intellectual disability (n=7).
- Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to record lower limb muscle activity during repeated sit-to-stand repetitions.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in the muscle activity patterns between the intellectual disability group and the control group during the sit-to-stand movement.
- Specific muscles exhibited distinct activation profiles in individuals with ID compared to healthy controls.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that intellectual disability is associated with altered neuromuscular control strategies during functional movements like sit-to-stand.
- These differences in muscle activation patterns may have implications for motor function and balance in individuals with ID.
- Further research is warranted to explore the functional consequences of these observed muscle activity differences.
