Gastrocnemius Medialis Contractile Behavior Is Preserved During 30% Body Weight Supported Gait Training

Rehabilitative body weight supported gait training aims at restoring walking function as a key element in activities of daily living. Studies demonstrated reductions muscle and joint forces, while kinematic patterns appear to be preserved with up 30% support. However, the influence support on architecture, respect fascicle series elastic behavior is unknown, despite this having potential clinical implications for retraining. Eight males (31.9 ± 4.7 years) walked 75% speed which they typically transition running, 0% lower-body positive pressure treadmill. Gastrocnemius medialis lengths pennation angles were measured via ultrasonography. Additionally, kinematics analyzed determine gastrocnemius muscle–tendon unit lengths, consisting muscle's contractile elements. Series length was assessed using model. Depending whether data normally distributed, paired t -test or Wilcoxon signed rank test performed if had any effects fascicle–series behavior. Walking no statistically significant effect peak length. Furthermore, time when achieved, average across entire stance phase, length, angle, velocity unchanged In accordance kinematics, preservation observed during support, suggests transferability subsequent unsupported walking.