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Wasser JG, Hendershot BD, Acasio JC, Krupenevich RL, Pruziner AL, Miller RH, Goldman SM, Valerio MS, Senchak LT, Murphey MD, Heltzel DA, Fazio MG, Dearth CL, Hager NA. A Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Assessment for Knee Osteoarthritis Following Traumatic Unilateral Lower Limb Loss in Service Members. Mil Med 2024; 189:581-591. [PMID: 35803867 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a primary source of long-term disability and decreased quality of life (QoL) in service members (SM) with lower limb loss (LL); however, it remains difficult to preemptively identify and mitigate the progression of KOA and KOA-related symptoms. The objective of this study was to explore a comprehensive cross-sectional evaluation, at the baseline of a prospective study, for characterizing KOA in SM with traumatic LL. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-eight male SM with traumatic unilateral LL (23 transtibial and 15 transfemoral), 9.5 ± 5.9 years post-injury, were cross-sectionally evaluated at initial enrollment into a prospective, longitudinal study utilizing a comprehensive evaluation to characterize knee joint health, functionality, and QoL in SM with LL. Presences of medial, lateral, and/or patellofemoral articular degeneration within the contralateral knee were identified via magnetic resonance imaging(for medically eligible SM; Kellgren-Lawrence Grade [n = 32]; and Outerbridge classification [OC; n = 22]). Tri-planar trunk and pelvic motions, knee kinetics, along with temporospatial parameters, were quantified via full-body gait evaluation and inverse dynamics. Concentrations of 26 protein biomarkers of osteochondral tissue degradation and inflammatory activity were identified via serum immunoassays. Physical function, knee symptoms, and QoL were collected via several patient reported outcome measures. RESULTS KOA was identified in 12 of 32 (37.5%; KL ≥ 1) SM with LL; however, 16 of 22 SM presented with patellofemoral degeneration (72.7%; OC ≥ 1). Service members with versus without KOA had a 26% reduction in the narrowest medial tibiofemoral joint space. Biomechanically, SM with versus without KOA walked with a 24% wider stride width and with a negative correlation between peak knee adduction moments and minimal medial tibiofemoral joint space. Physiologically, SM with versus without KOA exhibited elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory biomarker interleukin-7 (+180%), collagen breakdown markers collagen II cleavage (+44%), and lower concentrations of hyaluronic acid (-73%) and bone resorption biomarker N-telopeptide of Type 1 Collagen (-49%). Lastly, there was a negative correlation between patient-reported contralateral knee pain severity and patient-reported functionality and QoL. CONCLUSIONS While 37.5% of SM with LL had KOA at the tibiofemoral joint (KL ≥ 1), 72.7% of SM had the presence of patellofemoral degeneration (OC ≥ 1). These findings demonstrate that the patellofemoral joint may be more susceptible to degeneration than the medial tibiofemoral compartment following traumatic LL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Wasser
- Research and Development Section, Department of Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Brad D Hendershot
- Research and Development Section, Department of Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Research & Surveillance Division, DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Julian C Acasio
- Research and Development Section, Department of Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Rebecca L Krupenevich
- Research and Development Section, Department of Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Alison L Pruziner
- Research and Development Section, Department of Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Research & Surveillance Division, DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Ross H Miller
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Stephen M Goldman
- Research & Surveillance Division, DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Michael S Valerio
- Research & Surveillance Division, DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Lien T Senchak
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Mark D Murphey
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- American Institute for Radiologic Pathology, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - David A Heltzel
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Michael G Fazio
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Christopher L Dearth
- Research & Surveillance Division, DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Nelson A Hager
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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Kubota K, Yokoyama M, Onitsuka K, Kanemura N. The investigation of an analysis method for co-activation of knee osteoarthritis utilizing normalization of peak dynamic method. Gait Posture 2023; 101:48-54. [PMID: 36724656 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing co-activation characteristics in knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) using method of quantification of the activity ratio (such as the co-contraction index (CCI) or the directed co-activation ratios (DCAR)) for surface electromyography (EMG) has been reported. However, no studies have discussed the differences in results between non-negative matrix factorization (NNMF) and the DCAR. RESEARCH QUESTION Does DCAR or NNMF reflect the characteristic co-activation pattern of knee OA while using EMG normalized by the peak dynamic method? METHODS Ten elderly control participants (EC) and ten knee OA patients (KOA) volunteered to participate in this study. EMG data from 20 participants were obtained from our previous study. Patients with knee OA were recruited from a local orthopedic clinic. The DCAR of agonist and antagonist muscles and the number of modules using NNMF were calculated to evaluate multiple muscle co-activations. An independent t-test statistical parametric mapping approach was used to compare the DCAR between the two groups. The difference in the number of modules between EC and KOA was evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. RESULTS There was no significant difference in the DCAR between the two groups. However, NNMF had significantly fewer modules with KOA than with EC. SIGNIFICANCE The NNMF with the ratio of the amplitude of each muscle and duration of activity as variables reflected the co-activation of KOA, characterized by the high synchronous and prolonged activity of each muscle. Therefore, the NNMF is suitable for extracting characteristic muscle activity patterns of knee OA independent of the normalization method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Kubota
- Research Development Center, Saitama Prefectural University, Saitama 343-8540, Japan.
| | - Moeka Yokoyama
- Sportology Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Katsuya Onitsuka
- Graduate Course of Health and Social Services, Saitama Prefectural University, Saitama 343-8540, Japan
| | - Naohiko Kanemura
- Graduate Course of Health and Social Services, Saitama Prefectural University, Saitama 343-8540, Japan
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Preece SJ, Alghamdi W, Jones RK. Individuals with knee osteoarthritis demonstrate increased passive stiffness of the hip flexor muscles. Knee 2023; 41:302-310. [PMID: 36801496 DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with knee osteoarthritis stand and walk with increased trunk flexion. This altered postural alignment increases hamstring activation, elevating mechanical knee loads during walking. Increased hip flexor stiffness may lead to increased trunk flexion. Therefore, this study compared hip flexor stiffness between healthy individuals and individuals with knee osteoarthritis. This study also sought to understand the biomechanical effect of a simple instruction to reduce trunk flexion by 5° during walking. METHODS Twenty individuals with confirmed knee osteoarthritis and 20 healthy individuals participated. The Thomas test was used to quantity passive stiffness of the hip flexor muscles and three-dimensional motion analysis used to quantify trunk flexion during normal walking. Using a controlled biofeedback protocol, each participant was then instructed to decrease trunk flexion by 5°. RESULTS Passive stiffness was greater in the group with knee osteoarthritis (effect size = 1.04). For both groups, there was relatively strong correlation between passive stiffness and trunk flexion in walking (r = 0.61-0.72). The instruction to decrease trunk flexion produced only small, non-significant, reductions in hamstring activation during early stance. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to demonstrate that individuals with knee osteoarthritis exhibit increased passive stiffness of the hip muscles. This increased stiffness appears to be linked to increased trunk flexion and may therefore underlie the increased hamstring activation which is associated with this disease. As simple postural instruction does not appear to reduce hamstring activity, interventions may be required which can improve postural alignment by reducing passive stiffness of the hip muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Preece
- School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester M6 6PU, UK.
| | - Wael Alghamdi
- School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester M6 6PU, UK; Al Baha University, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Richard K Jones
- School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester M6 6PU, UK
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Waiteman MC, Chia L, Ducatti MHM, Bazett-Jones DM, Pappas E, de Azevedo FM, Briani RV. Trunk Biomechanics in Individuals with Knee Disorders: A Systematic Review with Evidence Gap Map and Meta-analysis. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:145. [PMID: 36503991 PMCID: PMC9742076 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00536-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The trunk is the foundation for transfer and dissipation of forces throughout the lower extremity kinetic chain. Individuals with knee disorders may employ trunk biomechanical adaptations to accommodate forces at the knee or compensate for muscle weakness. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the literature comparing trunk biomechanics between individuals with knee disorders and injury-free controls. METHODS Five databases were searched from inception to January 2022. Observational studies comparing trunk kinematics or kinetics during weight-bearing tasks (e.g., stair negotiation, walking, running, landings) between individuals with knee disorders and controls were included. Meta-analyses for each knee disorder were performed. Outcome-level certainty was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), and evidence gap maps were created. RESULTS A total of 81 studies investigating trunk biomechanics across six different knee disorders were included (i.e., knee osteoarthritis [OA], total knee arthroplasty [TKA], patellofemoral pain [PFP], patellar tendinopathy [PT], anterior cruciate ligament deficiency [ACLD], and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction [ACLR]). Individuals with knee OA presented greater trunk flexion during squatting (SMD 0.88, 95% CI 0.58-1.18) and stepping tasks (SMD 0.56, 95% CI 0.13-.99); ipsilateral and contralateral trunk lean during walking (SMD 1.36; 95% CI 0.60-2.11) and sit-to-stand (SMD 1.49; 95% CI 0.90-2.08), respectively. Greater trunk flexion during landing tasks in individuals with PFP (SMD 0.56; 95% CI 0.01-1.12) or ACLR (SMD 0.48; 95% CI 0.21-.75) and greater ipsilateral trunk lean during single-leg squat in individuals with PFP (SMD 1.01; 95% CI 0.33-1.70) were also identified. No alterations in trunk kinematics of individuals with TKA were identified. Evidence gap maps outlined the lack of investigations for individuals with PT or ACLD, as well as for trunk kinetics across knee disorders. CONCLUSION Individuals with knee OA, PFP, or ACLR present with altered trunk kinematics in the sagittal and frontal planes. The findings of this review support the assessment of trunk biomechanics in these individuals in order to identify possible targets for rehabilitation and avoidance strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019129257.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina C. Waiteman
- grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XDepartment of Physical Therapy, School of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), 305, Roberto Simonsen Street, Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo 19060-900 Brazil
| | - Lionel Chia
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XSydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia ,Cleveland Guardians Baseball Company, Cleveland, OH USA
| | - Matheus H. M. Ducatti
- grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XDepartment of Physical Therapy, School of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), 305, Roberto Simonsen Street, Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo 19060-900 Brazil
| | - David M. Bazett-Jones
- grid.267337.40000 0001 2184 944XSchool of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH USA
| | - Evangelos Pappas
- grid.1007.60000 0004 0486 528XSchool of Medicine and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, The University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW Australia
| | - Fábio M. de Azevedo
- grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XDepartment of Physical Therapy, School of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), 305, Roberto Simonsen Street, Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo 19060-900 Brazil
| | - Ronaldo V. Briani
- grid.410543.70000 0001 2188 478XDepartment of Physical Therapy, School of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), 305, Roberto Simonsen Street, Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo 19060-900 Brazil
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Preece SJ, Alghamdi W. Increased trunk flexion may underlie elevated knee flexor activity in people with knee osteoarthritis. Knee 2021; 33:216-225. [PMID: 34717093 DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has demonstrated elevated activation of the knee flexor muscles in people with knee osteoarthritis. People with this condition have also been observed to walk with increased trunk flexion; this may alter biomechanical loading patterns and change muscle activation profiles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the biomechanical effect of increasing trunk flexion during walking. METHODS Kinetic and EMG data were collected from a sample of 20 people with knee osteoarthritis and a sample of 20 healthy matched controls during normal walking. Using a biofeedback protocol, participants were subsequently instructed to walk with a 5° increase in trunk flexion. Sagittal moments, muscle activations and co-contractions were then compared across a window in early stance with a two-way ANOVA test. RESULTS When trunk flexion was increased, there was a corresponding increase in activity of the medial and lateral hamstrings and gastrocnemius muscles as well as a rise in medial co-contraction. This effect was consistent across the two groups. The most pronounced effect was observed for semitendinosus, which showed a dramatic change in activation profile in the healthy group and a 127% increase in activation during early stance. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to demonstrate that increased trunk flexion in people with knee osteoarthritis may explain, to some degree, the elevated knee flexor activity and medial co-contraction which is associated with this disease. These findings motivate further work to understand the therapeutic potential of interventions designed to improve postural alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Preece
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester M6 6PU, UK.
| | - Wael Alghamdi
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester M6 6PU, UK; Al Baha University, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia.
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Preece SJ, Brookes N, Williams AE, Jones RK, Starbuck C, Jones A, Walsh NE. A new integrated behavioural intervention for knee osteoarthritis: development and pilot study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:526. [PMID: 34103040 PMCID: PMC8188786 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04389-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Exercise-based approaches have been a cornerstone of physiotherapy management of knee osteoarthritis for many years. However, clinical effects are considered small to modest and the need for continued adherence identified as a barrier to clinical efficacy. While exercise-based approaches focus on muscle strengthening, biomechanical research has identified that people with knee osteoarthritis over activate their muscles during functional tasks. Therefore, we aimed to create a new behavioural intervention, which integrated psychologically informed practice with biofeedback training to reduce muscle overactivity, and which was suitable for delivery by a physiotherapist. Methods Through literature review, we created a framework linking theory from pain science with emerging biomechanical concepts related to overactivity of the knee muscles. Using recognised behaviour change theory, we then mapped a set of intervention components which were iteratively developed through ongoing testing and consultation with patients and physiotherapists. Results The underlying framework incorporated ideas related to central sensitisation, motor responses to pain and also focused on the idea that increased knee muscle overactivity could result from postural compensation. Building on these ideas, we created an intervention with five components: making sense of pain, general relaxation, postural deconstruction, responding differently to pain and functional muscle retraining. The intervention incorporated a range of animated instructional videos to communicate concepts related to pain and biomechanical theory and also used EMG biofeedback to facilitate visualization of muscle patterns. User feedback was positive with patients describing the intervention as enabling them to “create a new normal” and to be “in control of their own treatment.” Furthermore, large reductions in pain were observed from 11 patients who received a prototype version of the intervention. Conclusion We have created a new intervention for knee osteoarthritis, designed to empower individuals with capability and motivation to change muscle activation patterns and beliefs associated with pain. We refer to this intervention as Cognitive Muscular Therapy. Preliminary feedback and clinical indications are positive, motivating future large-scale trials to understand potential efficacy. It is possible that this new approach could bring about improvements in the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis without the need for continued adherence to muscle strengthening programmes. Trial registration ISRCTN51913166 (Registered 24-02-2020, Retrospectively registered). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04389-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Preece
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK.
| | - Nathan Brookes
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK.,Physiotherapy Department, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
| | - Anita E Williams
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK
| | - Richard K Jones
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK
| | - Chelsea Starbuck
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK
| | - Anthony Jones
- Human Pain Research Group, University of Manchester, Clinical Sciences Building, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, M6 8HD, UK
| | - Nicola E Walsh
- Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1DD, UK
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Preece SJ, Alghamdi W. The effect of increasing trunk flexion during normal walking. Gait Posture 2021; 83:250-255. [PMID: 33197861 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The head, arms and trunk segment constitute a large proportion of the body's mass. Therefore, small alterations in trunk inclination may affect lower limb joint moments and muscle activation patterns. Although previous research has investigated the effect of changing frontal plane inclination of the trunk, it is not clear how increasing trunk flexion will impact on the activation of the lower limb muscles. RESEARCH QUESTION What is the effect of independently manipulating trunk flexion angle on lower limb kinematics, moments and muscle function? METHODS Gait analysis was carried out on 20 healthy people under four trunk flexion conditions: normal walking (NW), NW-5°, NW+5° and NW+10°. For the latter three conditions, a biofeedback approach was used to tightly control trunk flexion angle. A linear mixed model was used to investigate the effect of changing trunk flexion on joint angles, moments, and knee muscle activation. RESULTS There were clear increases in hip and ankle moments as trunk flexion was increased, but no change in knee moments. The results also showed a linear increase in knee flexor muscle activity and a corresponding increase in co-contraction as trunk flexion increased. Interestingly, there was a dramatic change in the profile of hamstring activity. In the medial hamstrings, this change led to a 100% increase in activation during early stance as flexion was increased by 5° from NW. SIGNIFICANCE This is the first study to demonstrate a strong dependence of knee flexor muscle activity on trunk flexion. This is important as people with knee osteoarthritis have been observed to walk with elevated muscle activation and this has been linked to increased joint loads. It is possible that these altered muscle patterns may result from increased trunk flexion during walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Preece
- School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK.
| | - Wael Alghamdi
- School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK.
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Alghamdi W, Preece SJ. How does normal variability in trunk flexion affect lower limb muscle activity during walking? Hum Mov Sci 2020; 72:102630. [PMID: 32452386 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2020.102630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A large proportion of the mass of the body is contained within the trunk segment. Therefore, small changes in the inclination of this segment have the potential to influence the direction of the ground reaction force and alter lower limb joint moments and muscle activation patterns during walking. The aim of this study was to investigate if variability in sagittal trunk inclination in healthy participants is associated with differences in lower limb biomechanics. Gait analysis data was collected on 41 healthy participants during walking. Two groups were defined based on habitual trunk flexion angle during normal walking, a forward lean group (n = 18) and a backward lean group (n = 17). Lower limb moments, muscle activation patterns and co-contraction levels were compared between the two groups using independent t-tests. The forward lean group walked with 5° more trunk flexion than the backward lean group. This difference was associated with a larger peak hip moment (effect size = 0.7) and higher activation of the lateral gastrocnemius (effect size =0.6) and the biceps femoris (effect size =0.7) muscles. The forward lean group also exhibited greater co-contraction in late stance (effect size =0.7). This is the first study to demonstrate that small differences in trunk flexion are associated with pronounced alterations in the activation of the lateral knee flexor muscles. This is important because people with knee osteoarthritis have been observed to walk with increased trunk flexion. It is possible that increased sagittal trunk inclination may be associated with elevated joint loads in people with knee osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen J Preece
- Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, UK.
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