Unit 4: Muscle Activity during Walking

how can we learn about muscle activity during gait?

electromyography (EMG)- magnitude of muscle activity can be reported through magnitude of EMG signal in microvolts, and percentage of the EMG signal produced during maximum voluntary isometric contraction (% MVIC)

summarize muscle activity during gait

muscle activity is brief and cyclical, muscle activation can vary among individuals, timing of peak muscle activity is generally consistent across health individuals. during gait, each LE functions in an open and closed kinetic chain (open during swing, closed during stance). activity of the large muscle groups mostly demonstrates an eccentric contraction followed by concentric contraction

what is the function of the gluteus maximus during walking?

during late swing eccentrically activate to decelerate hip flexion and precent uncontrolled trunk flexion, then concentrically initiate to hip extension. Remains active from heel contact to mid stance (first 30% of gait cycle) to support BW and produce hip extension, inactive during swing phase

what is the function of the hamstrings during walking?

active prior to heel contact to decelerate knee extension at end of swing. Active during the first 10% of the gait cycle, likely for similar reasons as glut max to extend the hip and support the weight of the body