Muscle activation during gait in DMD

PLoS one logo bleuThis prospective study compared muscle activation and coactivation in the lower limbs during the gait cycle in children with DMD with typically developing children of the same age. The activity of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), medial hamstrings (HS), tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius soleus (GAS) muscles was recorded and analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The overall muscle activity in the children with DMD was significantly different from that of the control group. Percentage activation amplitudes of RF, HS and TA were greater throughout the gait cycle in the children with DMD and the timing of GAS activity differed from the control children. Significantly greater muscle coactivation was found in the children with DMD. There were no significant differences between sides. Since the motor command is normal in DMD, the hyper-activity and co-contractions likely compensate for gait instability and muscle weakness, however may have negative consequences on the muscles and may increase the energy cost of gait.

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Ropars J, Lempereur M, Vuillerot C, et al. Muscle Activation during Gait in Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. PLoS One. 2016 Sep 13;11(9):e0161938.