Walking with a four wheeled walker (rollator) significantly reduces EMG lower-limb muscle activity in healthy subjects. Issue 1 (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suica, Zorica; Romkes, Jacqueline; Tal, Amir; Maguire, Clare
• Is Part Of: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. Volume 20:Issue 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Assistive devices -- Rollator -- Wheeled-walker -- EMG -- Trunk stability; Massage -- Periodicals; Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.06.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-8592

Abstract

Summary: Objective: To investigate the immediate effect of four-wheeled- walker(rollator)walking on lower-limb muscle activity and trunk-sway in healthy subjects. Methods: In this cross-sectional design electromyographic (EMG) data was collected in six lower-limb muscle groups and trunk-sway was measured as peak-to-peak angular displacement of the centre-of-mass (level L2/3) in the sagittal and frontal-planes using the SwayStar balance system. 19 subjects walked at self-selected speed firstly without a rollator then in randomised order 1. with rollator 2. with rollator with increased weight-bearing. Results: Rollator-walking caused statistically significant reductions in EMG activity in lower-limb muscle groups and effect-sizes were medium to large. Increased weight-bearing increased the effect. Trunk-sway in the sagittal and frontal-planes showed no statistically significant difference between conditions. Conclusion: Rollator-walking reduces lower-limb muscle activity but trunk-sway remains unchanged as stability is likely gained through forces generated by the upper-limbs. Short-term stability is gained but the long-term effect is unclear and requires investigation.