Visualization of walking speed variation-induced synchronized dynamic changes in lower limb joint angles and activity of trunk and lower limb muscles with a newly developed gait analysis system.

PURPOSE

To evaluate a newly developed system for dynamic analysis of gait kinematics and muscle activity.

METHODS

We recruited 10 healthy men into this study. Analyses of three-dimensional motion and wireless surface electromyogram (EMG) were integrated to achieve synchronous measurement. The participants walked continuously for 10 min under two conditions: comfortable and quick pace. Outcome measures were joint angles of the lower limbs determined from reflective markers and myoelectric activity of trunk and lower limbs determined from EMG sensors, comparing comfortable and quick gait pace.

RESULTS

Lower limb joint angle was significantly greater at the quick pace (maximum flexion of the hip joint: 4.1°, maximum extension of hip joint: 2.3°, and maximum flexion of the knee joint while standing: 7.4°). The period of maximum flexion of the ankle joint during a walking cycle was 2.5% longer at a quick pace. EMG amplitudes of all trunk muscles significantly increased during the period of support by two legs (cervical paraspinal: 55.1%, latissimus dorsi: 31.3%, and erector spinae: 32.6%). EMG amplitudes of quadriceps, femoral biceps, and tibialis anterior increased significantly by 223%, 60.9%, and 67.4%, respectively, between the periods of heel contact and loading response. EMG amplitude of the gastrocnemius significantly increased by 102% during the heel-off period.

CONCLUSION

Our gait analysis synchronizing three-dimensional motion and wireless surface EMG successfully visualized dynamic changes in lower limb joint angles and activity of trunk and lower limb muscles induced by various walking speeds.