Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under CC BY-NC 4.0 license
Authors
1 Post graduate student in sports biomechanics, Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor of Sport Biomechanics, Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Biomechanics, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
3 Academic staffm
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of gait training with Somatosensory rhythmic stimulation on the muscle activity of the lower limbs of the elderly.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 29 elderly individuals (mean age: 71.68 ± 4.35; mean weight: 69.2 ± 5.74; mean height: 166.2 ± 6.52) were selected using available and targeted sampling. They were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (16 individuals receiving walking training with Somatosensory rhythmic stimulation) and a control group (13 individuals without any training).The training sessions were conducted for 8 weeks, with 3 sessions per week lasting 30 minutes each.Muscle activity data was collected using electromyography in pre-test and post-test stages.The results were analyzed using SPSS software and covariance statistical method at a significance level of 0.05.
Findings: The activity of the vastus lateralis muscle significantly decreased during the loading response and swing phase (P<0.05). Additionally, the Tibialis anterior muscles showed a significant increase in the loading response phase and mid-stance, while the Gastrocnemius muscle showed increased activity in the propulsive phase following training with Somatosensory rhythmic stimulation to enhance walking performance (P<0.05).
Conclusion:The increased activity of the Gastrocnemius muscle likely contributes to improving ankle and knee joint dynamics. Moreover, the enhanced activity of the Tibialis anterior muscle in the first half of the stance phase suggests improved ankle stability and reduced knee loading by decreasing vastus lateralis muscle activity.Therefore, Somatosensory rhythmic stimulation exercises can be considered an effective method for enhancing elderly gait.
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