The effects of a standard elliptical vs. a modified elliptical with a converging footpath on lower limb kinematics and muscle activity. Issue 20 (17th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hummer, Erik; Murphy, Eryn; Suprak, David N.; Brilla, Lorrie; San Juan, Jun G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 38:Issue 20(2020)
• Page Start: 2382
• Page End: 2389
• Publication Date: 2020-10-17
• Subjects: Elliptical -- gait -- converging footpath -- kinematics -- electromyography -- knee -- hip; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1786241
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Elliptical trainers that increase the inter-pedal distance may have potential benefits for knee osteoarthritis by decreasing the amount of knee varus. Modifying elliptical trainers with a converging footpath and reduced inter-pedal distance may be beneficial for reducing anterior knee pathology risk by decreasing knee valgus angles. Twenty-one college students participated in a single testing session. Participants exercised on two different elliptical trainers, one modified with a converging footpath and reduced inter-pedal width, and a standard elliptical trainer. Participants exercised for 2 min at three ramps incline at 120 strides per minute and constant work rate. Three-dimensional kinematics and electromyography of the dominant lower limb were recorded. Multiple 2 × 3 (Elliptical x Incline) ANOVAs with Bonferroni corrections were used to compare the two elliptical trainers at each incline for kinematics and muscle activity. The modified elliptical trainer displayed significantly decreased peak knee valgus ( p = 0.031, η p 2 = 0.234 ), peak knee flexion ( p = 0.006, η p 2 = 0.246 ), and interactions for peak knee flexion ( p = 0.001, η p 2 = 0.250 ) and vastus lateralis ( p < 0.01, η p 2 = 0.380 ) muscle activity compared to the standard elliptical trainer. The decreased peak knee valgus and flexion angles could be beneficial for reducing long-term injury risk for anterior knee pathologies.