Quadriceps-hamstrings muscle co-activation during the swing phase of walking is modulated by task constraints in healthy adults

Abstract

Background: Muscle co-activation, the simultaneous activation of muscles or muscle groups, is a common strategy to enhance the stability of the musculoskeletal system. However, co-activation can also be the consequence of underlying neurological impairments. To better understand and discern functional co-activation during walking, this study explored the difference in quadriceps-hamstrings co-activation during the swing phase of walking and an isolated leg-swinging movement in healthy adults. Methods: Twelve healthy young adults performed walking and isolated leg-swinging at slow (0.6 m/s) and comfortable speed. Isolated leg-swinging was frequency and amplitude matched to the walk conditions. Electromyography signals from m. vastus lateralis, m. rectus femoris, m. biceps femoris, and m. semitendinosus were recorded. Pearson correlation coefficient (Pearson-CI) was calculated as a measure of rate of co-activation. Area under the curve (AUC-CI) was calculated as a measure of co-activation magnitude. Co-activation indices were calculated for both metric across the four muscle pairs and averaged into a single quadriceps-hamstrings CI for each metric. Results: The results showed a higher Pearson-CI, but not AUC-CI, during walking compared to isolated leg-swinging, specifically during mid- and terminal-swing at both speeds. AUC-CI, but not Pearson-CI, was significantly higher during slow speed, compared to comfortable speed. Conclusion: Quadriceps-hamstrings co-activation towards the end of the swing phase during walking reflects preparation for heel-strike, which is not present in isolated leg-swinging. Therefore, an isolated leg-swinging task could serve as a feasible method to distinguish pathological from functional muscle co-activation during walking.