Analysis of the characteristics of lower limb muscle synergy controlistic patterns during unilateral load-bearing walking

Authors

Jinwei Zhao, 1. Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland; 2. Department of Sports, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Zhengzhou, ChinaFollow
Luyao Chen, Graduate Development Office, Harbin Sport University, Harbin, ChinaFollow
Fuyong Liu, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow
Piotr Aschenbrenner, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow
Tomasz Grzywacz, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
Jan Strawiński, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland

Abstract

Background: This study aims to investigate how unilateral load-bearing conditions influence lower limb muscle synergistic control patterns during walking. Understanding these patterns is crucial for elucidating the biomechanics of gait under loaded conditions. Materials and Methods: Sixteen healthy adults participated in the study. The Qualisys 600 series motion capture system was used to collect kinematic data, and the Delsys 16-channel wireless surface EMG system to record muscle activity. Four unilateral loading conditions (LL10, LR10, LL20, LR20) were tested, with normal walking as the control. Results: Load-bearing conditions significantly altered muscle contributions in different synergistic units. For example, in Synergistic Unit 1, the vastus medialis (VM) became more dominant during load-bearing walking compared to normal walking, where the vastus lateralis (VL) and tibialis anterior (TA) were primary. The soleus (SOL) also played a significant role during left-sided load-bearing at 20% body weight. Loading significantly affected the contribution weights of SOL in Synergistic Unit 2 and the semimembranosus (SM) in Synergistic Unit 4. Conclusions: Unilateral loading conditions significantly change lower limb muscle synergistic control patterns, primarily through shifts in muscle contributions. These changes may reflect the increased demand for stability and balance during load-bearing walking, providing insights into the human walking mechanism under loaded conditions.

Recommended Citation

Zhao J, Chen L, Liu F, Aschenbrenner P, Grzywacz T, Strawinski J. Analysis of the characteristics of lower limb muscle synergy controlistic patterns during unilateral load-bearing walking. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2025;17(2):Article1. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.17.2.01

Author ORCID Identifier

Jinwei ZHAO; ORCID 0009-0001-3404-1615

Piotr ASCHENBRENNER; ORCID 0000-0003-1307-6621

Tomasz GRZYWACZ; ORCID 0000-0002-5398-6497

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.