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Leg Muscle Activity and Joint Motion during Balance Exercise Using a Newly Developed Weight-Shifting-Based Robot Control System

Author

Listed:
  • Go Yamako

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan)

  • Kirari Ito

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan)

  • Takanori Muraoka

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan)

  • Etsuo Chosa

    (Department of Medicine of Sensory and Motor Organs, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1601, Japan)

Abstract

A novel and fun exercise robot (LOCOBOT) was developed to improve balance ability. This system can control a spherical robot on a floor by changing the center of pressure (COP) based on weight-shifting on a board. The present study evaluated leg muscle activity and joint motion during LOCOBOT exercise and compared the muscle activity with walking and sit-to-stand movement. This study included 10 healthy male adults (age: 23.0 ± 0.9 years) and examined basic LOCOBOT exercises (front–back, left–right, 8-turn, and bowling). Electromyography during each exercise recorded 13 right leg muscle activities. Muscle activity was represented as the percentage maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). Additionally, the joint motion was simultaneously measured using an optical motion capture system. The mean %MVIC differed among LOCOBOT exercises, especially in ankle joint muscles. The ankle joint was primarily used for robot control. The mean %MVIC of the 8-turn exercise was equivalent to that of walking in the tibialis anterior, and the ankle plantar flexors were significantly higher than those in the sit-to-stand motion. Participants control the robot by ankle strategy. This robot exercise can efficiently train the ankle joint muscles, which would improve ankle joint stability.

Suggested Citation

  • Go Yamako & Kirari Ito & Takanori Muraoka & Etsuo Chosa, 2023. "Leg Muscle Activity and Joint Motion during Balance Exercise Using a Newly Developed Weight-Shifting-Based Robot Control System," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-10, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:2:p:915-:d:1024822
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. George Danut Mocanu & Gabriel Murariu & Ilie Onu & Georgian Badicu, 2022. "The Influence of Gender and the Specificity of Sports Activities on the Performance of Body Balance for Students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-19, June.
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