The Effect of a Vertical Load on Gluteus Medius Activity and Gait
Characteristics during Walking |
| |
Authors: | Su-kyoung Lee |
| |
Institution: | 1) Department of Physical Therapy, Gimhae College, Republic of Korea |
| |
Abstract: | Purpose] The present study examined the activity and the gait characteristics of the
gluteus medius and the trunk stability muscles during the stance phase of gait on level
ground when a vertical load corresponding to 0%, 1%, or 2% of body weight was placed on
the lower extremities during the swing phase of the gait. Methods] The subjects were 40
young males aged between 21 and 30 years. The vertical load, corresponding to 0%, 1%, 2%
of weight, which was measured with an electronic scale, was placed bilaterally 3 cm above
from the upper part of the lateral malleous. Electrodes were symmetrically attached to the
gluteus medius, erector spinae, external oblique, and internal oblique muscles. Results]
There were significant differences in the activities of the left gluteus medius, bilateral
external oblique, and right internal oblique muscles among the vertical loads of 0%, 1%,
and 2% during gait. Conclusion] Increases in vertical load were accompanied by changes in
the activities of the internal and external oblique abdominal muscles to ensure the
stability of the trunk under the different loads. Gait was only possible with the activity
of the gluteus medius muscle and the trunk muscles resisting the different vertical loads
rather than activating other muscles of the lower extremities in terms of energy
efficiency.Key words: Vertical load, Gait, Gluteus medius |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|