Abstract
[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between peak power of the lower extremities during isokinetic movement on a step ergometer and muscle activity characteristics using EMG frequency analysis of community-dwelling elderly adults. [Methods] Twelve elderly women (mean age 78.3 years) were measured for muscle power on a step ergometer (60 and 90 steps / minute), and surface electromyograms (EMG) of the lower extremities. EMG data was wavelet transformed and MPF (Mean Power Frequency), LF / TP (Low Frequency per Total Power) and HF / TP (High Frequency per Total Power) were calculated. [Results] The muscle power at 60 steps / min showed a significant correlation with the LF / TP of the tibialis anterior. MPF of the vastus medialis and tibialis anterior at 90 steps / min were higher than at 60 steps /min. [Conclusion] We speculate that fast-twitch muscles activity at 90 steps / min increases, therefore we consider that high speed movement is useful for preventing the sarcopenia.
