A study on the walking of elderly people with obstacle crossing and different weight distributions based on surface electromyography
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Tianjin University of Science and Technology

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    Abstract:

    Objective The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of different load distributions on lower limb muscle activity in the older groups during obstacle crossing. Method 12 young healthy (control group) and 12 senior healthy participants performed walking tasks including obstacle crossing and walk straight at their daily pace carrying different weight distributions (no weight, weight a 5kg dumbbell in one hand and weight 2.5kg dumbbell in both hand). Surface Electromyography (sEMG) signals were collected from both sides of the lateral femoris, rectus femoris and medial femoris. Then the average of sEMG was analyzed and compared. The participants' touching of obstacles while crossing the obstacles were also recorded. Results indicated that crossing obstacles and different weight distribution patterns had significant effects on the lower limb muscle activity level of the elderly group. Result Age, weight carrying and obstacle all have significant influence on the activity level of lower limb muscles. A total of 9 contact incidents occurred in 1152 obstacle crossing tests. In addition, the RVM muscle contribution was greatest in the elderly and young adults when they completed weight carrying and obstacle crossing tasks. Conclusion According to the statistical results of muscle activity level and touch event of VL, RF and VM, the elderly had the lowest risk of falling down in the condition of taking advantage of the dominant side of the leg to take the lead in crossing the obstacle under the uniform distribution of load. This study provides a reference for the systematic assessment of the risk of falls in the elderly and has certain guiding significance for targeted lower limb exercise or rehabilitation training in the elderly.

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History
  • Received:November 11,2019
  • Revised:December 17,2019
  • Adopted:December 31,2019
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