ANALYSIS OF MUSCLE FORCES DURING DOWNHILL WALKING

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse gait parameters and to quantify lower extremity muscles forces in downhill walking at different inclinations. Ten healthy male subjects walked at self-paced and at constant pre-set speed of 4 km/h on a ramp at different inclinations of -18°, -12°, -6° and 0°. Muscle forces were analysed by a musculoskeletal model (AnyBody) and were divided in four groups: quadriceps, hamstrings, calf muscles and shin muscles. Results showed significant increases in quadriceps and decreases in calf muscle forces with increasing inclination. Furthermore, quadriceps muscle forces were affected by walking speed. Hamstrings, quadriceps and calf muscle forces can be correlated with hip, knee and ankle joint moments, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that forces of major muscle groups can explain the joint extension moments.