| Abstrakt: |
[Purpose] We investigated the effect of using a cane on the trunk and lower limb muscle activities in a standing position with the trunk bent using an apparatus that simulates the physical experience of the elderly. [Subjects] The subjects were 12 healthy young people: 9 males, 3 females, average age 20.0± 0.7. [Method] We measured the muscle activities in quiet standing under 3 conditions: A, normal standing; B, wearing the apparatus; and C, wearing the apparatus and using a cane. Quiet standing was measured for 30 sec, and the middle 10 sec was used for analysis. The muscles examined were: the erector spinae, rectus abdominis, gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, anterior tibialis, and gastrocnemius. [Results] In condition B, compared to A we found a significant increase in the muscle activities of the anti-gravity muscles. In condition C, compared to B we found significant decreases in the muscle activities of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus and gastrocnemius. In condition C, compared to A we found significant increases in the muscle activities of the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the effect of using a cane on muscle activities during standing with the trunk bent is a reduction in the activities of the extensor muscles of the ankle, hip and trunk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
