Intermuscular coherence analysis in older adults reveals that gait‐related arm swing drives lower limb muscles via subcortical and cortical pathways

Key points Gait-related arm swing in humans supports efficient lower limb muscle activation, indicating a neural coupling between the upper and limbs during gait. Intermuscular coherence analyses of gait-related electromyography from 20 healthy participants identified significant alpha beta/gamma bands that share common subcortical cortical drivers coordinate rhythmic four-limb gait pattern. Additional directed connectivity revealed muscles drive shape activity via pathways to lesser extent vice versa. The results provide underpinning may serve as an effective rehabilitation therapy concerning impaired neurological diseases. Abstract Human benefits swing, it enhances activation well patients suffering impairment. underlying neuronal mechanisms such remain poorly understood. aim present study was examine this by intermuscular analysis Additionally, enabled assessment whether indeed drives muscles. To end, recordings were obtained four two bilaterally, gait, (mean (SD) age 67 (6.8) years). functional band specific periods cycle. These effects indicate involvement sources, respectively, commonly pattern efficiently coordinated fashion. Directed This indicates reflects recruitment support for optimizing cyclic movement limbs. findings thus potentially