Gender-related differences in ankle-muscles recruitment during walking
by Francesco Di Nardo; Alessandro Mengarelli; Elvira Maranesi; Laura Burattini; Sandro Fioretti
International Journal of Biomechatronics and Biomedical Robotics (IJBBR), Vol. 3, No. 4, 2020

Abstract: Surface electromyographic (sEMG) signal is commonly used as main input information to control robotic prosthetic systems. sEMG signals vary from person to person; gender is a factor influencing this variation. Thus, the aim of the study is to detect gender-related differences in sEMG activity of two main ankle-flexor muscles [tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL)] during walking at comfortable speed and cadence. Statistical analysis of sEMG signals, performed in seven male (M-group) and seven female (F-group) adults, showed clear gender-related differences in muscle behaviour. The assessment of the different activation modalities, indeed, allowed to detect that F-group adopts a walking modality with a higher number of activations during gait cycle, compared to M-group. This suggests a female propensity for a more complex muscle recruitment, during walking. This novel information suggests considering a separate approach for males and females, in providing electromyographic signals as input information to control robotic systems.

Online publication date: Tue, 14-Jul-2020

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