Abstract
[Purpose] This study Investigated how activities of the muscles of the upper and lower extremities change in partial weight-bearing (PWB) exercise with crutches. [Subjects] The participants were 43 healthy people. [Methods] Weight-bearing measurement was done using a computer weight-bearing system. The electromyographic (EMG) activities of the rectus femoris (RF), hamstrings (HAM), tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius (GAS), pectoralis major (PM), triceps brachii (TR), biceps brachii (BB), and brachioradialis (BR) were measured. Subjects stood with the measurement foot (load side) on the weighing scale and the other foot (unloaded side) placed pesteriorly. As target values for load, subjects were instructed to apply 10-90% of total body weight. [Results] There were significant correlations (p<0.01) between the average potential of EMG (AEMG) in GAS and the amount of weight-bearing (WB) on the load-side, between AEMG of HAM and WB on the unloaded side, and between AEMG of PM, TB and WB in the upper extremities. [Conclusion] In the adjustment of PWB of the lower limbs, upper extremity not only the load side muscle activities but also the unloaded side and the upper extremity muscles participated.
