Comparison of the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles isolation ratios during the sit-to-stand movement in elderly people

Abstract

[Purpose] To compared activation of the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles during the sit-to-stand movement in elderly people. [Subjects and Methods] Ten elderly women were enrolled. The activities of the dominant lower extremity muscles were measured using a wireless electromyography system. Subjects performed natural sit-to-stand tasks. [Results] In the pre-thigh off phase, the tibialis anterior isolation ratio was significantly higher than the soleus isolation ratio. In the post-thigh off phase, the tibialis and soleus isolation ratios did not significantly differ. [Conclusion] This result suggests that selective soleus exercises might help to reduce the risk of falling in the elderly.