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Substantiating Appropriate Motion Capture Techniques for the Assessment of Nordic Walking Gait and Posture in Older Adults
Published on: May 12, 2016
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Patterns of trunk muscle activation during walking and pole walking using statistical non-parametric mapping
Luca Zoffoli1, Massimiliano Ditroilo2, Ario Federici1
1Department of Biomolecular Sciences - Division of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.
Summary
Pole walking (PW) increases trunk muscle activity compared to regular walking (W), especially in the external oblique (EO) and rectus abdominis (RA). This suggests PW enhances lower trunk engagement for walkers.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Understanding trunk muscle activation during locomotion is crucial for rehabilitation and performance.
- Surface electromyography (EMG) is a common tool for assessing muscle activity during gait.
- Previous research has explored muscle recruitment during walking, but less is known about pole walking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the muscle activity patterns of key trunk muscles during walking (W) and pole walking (PW).
- To analyze how different speeds and inclines affect trunk muscle activation during W and PW.
- To determine if pole walking offers greater trunk muscle engagement compared to regular walking.
Main Methods:
- Surface electromyography (EMG) recorded activity of external oblique (EO), erector spinae longissimus (ES), multifidus (MU), and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles.
- Participants performed W and PW on a treadmill at varying speeds (60% and 100% of preferred transition speed) and grades (0% and 7%).
- Teager-Kaiser energy operator and statistical non-parametric mapping were used for EMG analysis and identifying significant differences.
Main Results:
- Trunk muscle activation amplitude increased significantly at higher walking speeds for both W and PW.
- No significant differences in muscle activation were observed at a 7% treadmill grade.
- Pole walking (PW) demonstrated elevated recruitment of EO and RA muscles compared to W, particularly for stride control and pole push.
- ES and MU muscles consistently supported the upper body during heel-strike in both W and PW.
Conclusions:
- Pole walking (PW) leads to greater activation of the external oblique (EO) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles compared to regular walking (W).
- The comparable involvement of spine extensors (ES, MU) suggests pole walking is a viable exercise for enhancing lower trunk muscle engagement.
- These findings support the use of poles for individuals seeking increased lower trunk activation during walking exercises.
