Electromyography of walking in obese children

The electromyographic activity of six lower extremity muscles during three speeds of walking was examined in fourteen (14) (10 obese and 4 normal weight) pre-pubertal children aged 8.5-10.5 years. Ensemble average EMG patterns of six lower extremity muscles at three speeds of walking were compared in obese pre-pubertal and normal weight children. The pattern of EMG activity and phasic characteristics did not change appreciably across the three speeds of walking for either group. The lack of significant change in EMG amplitude with altered speed of walking was contrary to the results of previous studies. Studies involving different weight groups and analyses that involve walking over greater distances are required to provide an alternative data base to normal weight children.