Soleus activity in post-stroke subjects: Movement sequence from standing to sitting

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Silva, A (Author) Other; Sousa, ASP (Author) Other; Pinheiro, R (Author) Other; João Manuel R. S. Tavares (Author) FEUP; Santos, R (Author) Other; Sousa, F (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Somatosensory and Motor Research

Vol. 29 No. 3

Pages: 71-76

ISSN: 0899-0220

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 10 Citations

Scopus - 12 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-FJB

DOI: 10.3109/08990220.2012.686935

Abstract (EN): Introduction. The beginning of the movement sequence from standing to sitting requires the modulation of plantar flexors activity, including the soleus muscle (SOL), to allow the forward translation of the tibia in relation to the foot, preserving its antigravity function. Purpose. To analyze the SOL activity during the initial phase of standing to sitting in stroke subjects. Methods. Two groups of ten subjects each participated in this study, one composed of healthy subjects and the other with subjects with a history of stroke. Electromyographic activity (EMGa) of SOL was analyzed in the ipsilateral (IPSI) and contralateral (CONTRA) limb to side lesion in stroke subjects, and in one limb in healthy subjects during the initial phase of standing to sitting. A force plate was used to identify the movement sequence phase. Results. The mean values of SOL EMGa were higher in healthy subjects than the ones obtained in the IPSI and CONTRA limb in stroke subjects. Significant differences were only observed between the IPSI and healthy limb (p = 0.035). Conclusion. When compared to the healthy subjects, stroke subjects showed a decreased SOL EMGa in the IPSI limb, which suggests that therapeutic decisions must consider the need to promote a better postural control also in the IPSI limb.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6