Abnormal Coactivation of Knee and Ankle Extensors After Stroke
Author Information
Author(s): Joseph-Omer Dyer, Eric Maupas, Sibele de Andrade Melo, Daniel Bourbonnais, Robert Forget
Primary Institution: Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation du Montréal métropolitain, Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay de Montréal
Hypothesis
Is the coactivation of knee and ankle extensors related to changes in spinal pathways after stroke?
Conclusion
The study found that abnormal coactivation of knee and ankle extensors in stroke patients is linked to changes in spinal pathways.
Supporting Evidence
- Coactivation levels of ankle extensors were significantly higher in the paretic leg of stroke participants than in healthy participants.
- Early heteronymous facilitation of soleus EMG in stroke participants was significantly higher than in healthy participants.
- Motor impairment was more consistently correlated with coactivation levels of biarticular muscles than monoarticular muscles.
Takeaway
When stroke patients try to move their legs, their knee and ankle muscles sometimes work together in a way that's not normal, which can make it harder for them to walk.
Methodology
The study compared coactivation levels during isometric contractions in 13 stroke patients and 10 healthy individuals.
Potential Biases
Potential crosstalk effects in EMG measurements.
Limitations
The study did not assess the ability of participants to produce isolated muscle activation.
Participant Demographics
13 stroke patients (7 males, 6 females) aged 49 ± 15 years and 10 healthy individuals (8 males, 2 females) aged 44 ± 13 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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