Article

The aim of this study was to compare electromyographic activities
between and within the paretic and nonparetic lower limb muscles during the
sit-to-stand (STS) task in subjects with hemiparesis as a result of stroke.
This is a cross-sectional study. RESULTS: All monitored muscles of both
lower limbs remained active during most of the sit-to-stand task; the muscles
were activated before the seat-off and reached the maximum peak of
electromyographic activity after the seat-off (P < 0.01). As compared with the
paretic limb, the nonparetic limb exhibited earlier activation of the hamstrings
(P < 0.01); longer activation period (P < 0.01); and higher electromyographic
activity of the tibialis anterior, the soleus, and the quadriceps (P </= 0.02).
The activity onset time was similar in all muscles of the nonparetic lower limb
(P >/= 0.053), whereas the tibialis anterior of the paretic lower limb was
activated before the hamstring and the soleus (P </= 0.015). These results
illustrate that muscle activation of both limbs during the sit-to-stand task was
impaired but in a higher level in the paretic side. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular
coordination abnormalities were observed in both lower limbs. The paretic limb
was unable to recruit the muscles at the proper time and to achieve the amplitude
for executing the sit-to-stand task, whereas significant compensations occurred
on the nonparetic side.

Langue : ANGLAIS