The Effects of Different Gait Speeds and Lower Arm Weight on the Activities of the Latissimus Dorsi, Gluteus Medius, and Gluteus Maximus Muscles

Abstract

[Purpose] This study researched the effects of different gait speeds and lower arm weight on the activities of the latissimus dorsi, gluteus medius, and gluteus maximus muscles. [Subjects] Fourteen healthy adult men participated in this study. [Methods] All the participants carried out walking on a treadmill at speeds of 3.5 km/h and 5.5 km/h for half a minute. During treadmill gait, electromyographic activity muscle was measured of the latissimus dorsi, gluteus medius and gluteus maximus. [Result] There were significant differences in the muscle activities due to changes in gait speed and lower arm load in the latissimus dorsi and gluteus maximus, but there were no significant differences in the muscle activities of the gluteus medius. [Conclusion] According to our results, arm swing is related to increasing gait speed, and lower arm load is influences the muscle activity of the lower extremities through the posterior oblique sling system.