Article

Foot center of pressure (COP) manipulation has been associated with
improved gait patterns. The purpose of this study was to determine lower limb
muscle activation changes in knee osteoarthritis patients, both immediately after
COP manipulation and when COP manipulation was combined with continuous gait
therapy (AposTherapy). METHODS: Fourteen females with medial compartment knee
osteoarthritis underwent EMG analyzes of key muscles of the leg. In the initial
stage, trials were carried out at four COP positions. Following this, gait
therapy was initiated for 3 months. The barefoot EMG was compared before and
after therapy. RESULTS: The average EMG varied significantly with COP in at least
one phase of stance in all examined muscles of the less symptomatic leg and in
three muscles of the more symptomatic leg. After training, a significant increase
in average EMG was observed in most muscles. Most muscles of the less symptomatic
leg showed significantly increased peak EMG. Activity duration was shorter for
all muscles of the less symptomatic leg (significant in the lateral
gastrocnemius) and three muscles of the more symptomatic leg (significant in the
biceps femoris). These results were associated with reduced pain, increased
function and improved spatiotemporal parameters. CONCLUSIONS: COP manipulation
influences the muscle activation patterns of the leg in patients with knee
osteoarthritis. When combined with a therapy program, muscle activity increases
and activity duration decreases.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS