Effects of Treadmill Grade and Speed on Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle Activity in Chronic Stroke Patients



Mohammadi R¹ ; Talebian S² ; Aliabadi S³ ; Yekaninejad MS⁴ ; Hadian MR² Show Affiliations
Source: Koomesh Published:2017

Abstract

Introduction: Plantarflexor muscles produce propulsive force in the second half of stance phase; deficient motor output from these muscles would lead to inadequate propulsion at push off phase of gait following stroke. It is important to develop strategies to improve plantarflexor output. This study examined the effects of walking on a treadmill at varying gradients and speeds on medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle activation in stroke survivors. Materials and Methods: Nineteen stroke survivors (13M/6F: average age 55.37±7.54 years; body mass index 29.10±4.52kg/m2) participated in the study. Participants walked on a standard treadmill at three different positive inclines (0°, 3°, and 6°) and speeds (self-selected, self-selected+20%, self-selected+40%). The electromyographic activity of MG recorded at push off phase of the gait. Results: A linear mixed model regression analysis was used to analysis. The paretic MG muscle activity increased at faster speeds irrespective of incline (p<0.05). In contrast, the MG muscle activity increased at higher incline in the non-paretic side (P<0.05), but not in the paretic side (P>0.05). Conclusion: It would appear that stroke survivors employ distinct muscle activation strategies on the paretic and non-paretic sides in response to different walking speeds and inclines. © 2017, Semnan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.