A Study Comparing Gait and Lower Limb Muscle Activity During Aquatic Treadmill Running with Different Water Depth and...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Aquatic treadmill running offers partial weight-bearing exercise beneficial for rehabilitation.
• Understanding muscle activation and gait kinematics is crucial for optimizing aquatic therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate electromyography (EMG) of key lower limb muscles (rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius) during aquatic treadmill running.
• To analyze gait kinematics across different water depths (waist, mid-thigh, mid-shin) and on land.
• To evaluate the influence of water depth on muscle activity and movement patterns.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen healthy participants performed 2-minute aquatic treadmill runs at a standardized speed (110 steps/min).
• Surface EMG data from lower limb muscles and joint angles were collected using waterproof EMG systems and inertial measurement units.
• Data were compared across three water depths and a land condition.

Main Results:

• Rectus femoris EMG differed between water depths during both swing and stance phases.
• Biceps femoris and tibialis anterior EMG varied with water depth during the swing phase.
• Hip peak flexion angles differed across depths, and the stance/swing ratio increased with water depth.

Conclusions:

• Water depth significantly influences lower limb muscle activity and gait kinematics during aquatic treadmill running.
• The mid-thigh water level demonstrated notable effects and warrants further research for its therapeutic potential.
• Aquatic treadmill running parameters, specifically water depth, should be considered for rehabilitation program design.