Electromyographic Pattern during Gait Initiation Differentiates Yoga Practitioners among Physically Active Older...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Gait initiation requires postural adjustments, which decline with aging.
• Physical activities can improve motor function in older adults.
• Understanding age-related changes in gait initiation is crucial for frailty assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare center of pressure (COP) displacement and ankle muscle co-activation during gait initiation.
• To investigate differences between physically active older adults: walkers versus yoga practitioners.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous recording of COP trajectory and leg muscle electromyography.
• Gait initiation trials were performed by two groups: walkers (n=12) and yoga practitioners (n=11).
• Analysis focused on COP displacement and ankle muscle co-activation percentages.

Main Results:

• Yoga practitioners demonstrated significantly slower COP displacements compared to walkers (p < 0.01).
• Yoga practitioners exhibited significantly lower ankle muscle co-activation percentages than walkers (p < 0.01).
• COP path and muscle co-activation were strongly correlated (r = 0.76; p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Yoga practice is associated with enhanced gait initiation control in older adults.
• Slower COP displacement and reduced muscle co-activation characterize yoga practitioners' gait initiation.
• These findings differentiate yoga practitioners among physically active older individuals.