Cromwell R L, Aadland-Monahan T K, Nelson A T, Stern-Sylvestre S M, Seder B
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-1028, USA.
J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2001 May;31(5):255-62. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2001.31.5.255.
Descriptive study examining kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) patterns of the upper body during walking.
To examine trunk, neck, and head movements to determine a mechanism for upper body stabilization during walking.
Dynamic balance of the upper body during walking provides a stable base for function of sensory systems. Prior investigations of upper body motion during walking were limited to examination of isolated segments, or examination of the upper body as a single unit. In our study, the upper body is examined as 3 segments: the trunk, neck, and head.
Sagittal plane walking patterns were examined in 8 unimpaired young adults. Markers placed on the trunk, neck, and head segments were recorded on videotape. Angles were calculated with respect to an external horizontal reference to determine segment position relative to space. EMG measures were obtained from erector spinae, rectus abdominus, semispinalis capitis, and sternocleidomastoid muscles.
Results showed dynamic stability was accomplished through maintenance of a posture where the trunk was flexed, the neck was extended and the head was flexed. The trunk segment demonstrated greatest stability with the neck being the least stable of the 3 segments. Movements of upper body segments showed a tendency for the head and neck to move opposite to the trunk. EMG data demonstrated erector spinae muscle activity occurring near heel contact of each limb followed by trunk extension. The remaining muscles exhibited variable patterns of activity.
These data indicate that movements of the upper body help to maintain a posture that promotes stability of these segments during walking. The trunk was the most stable of the three segments thereby, providing a stable platform for head and neck movement. Erector spinae muscle activity contributed to upper body movements by extending the trunk to maintain balance at heel contact. These results provide a basis for studying changes in dynamic stability that occur with age.
一项描述性研究，旨在检查步行过程中上身的运动学和肌电图（EMG）模式。
研究躯干、颈部和头部的运动，以确定步行过程中上身稳定的机制。
步行过程中上身的动态平衡为感觉系统的功能提供了稳定的基础。先前对步行过程中上身运动的研究仅限于对孤立节段的检查，或将上身作为一个整体进行检查。在我们的研究中，上身被分为三个节段进行检查：躯干、颈部和头部。
对8名未受损的年轻成年人的矢状面步行模式进行了检查。放置在躯干、颈部和头部节段上的标记物通过录像记录。相对于外部水平参考计算角度，以确定节段相对于空间的位置。从竖脊肌、腹直肌、头半棘肌和胸锁乳突肌获取肌电图测量值。
结果表明，通过维持躯干前屈、颈部伸展和头部前屈的姿势实现了动态稳定性。躯干节段表现出最大的稳定性，颈部是三个节段中最不稳定的。上身节段的运动显示出头部和颈部与躯干反向运动的趋势。肌电图数据表明，竖脊肌活动在每个肢体足跟触地附近出现，随后是躯干伸展。其余肌肉表现出不同的活动模式。
这些数据表明，上身的运动有助于维持一种姿势，促进步行过程中这些节段的稳定性。躯干是三个节段中最稳定的，从而为头部和颈部的运动提供了一个稳定的平台。竖脊肌活动通过伸展躯干以在足跟触地时保持平衡，从而促进上身运动。这些结果为研究随年龄增长而发生的动态稳定性变化提供了基础。
