Worley (2024) Acute Effects of Multi-Joint Eccentric Exercise on Lower Extremity Muscle Activation Measured During Land and Water Walking

This study investigates the acute effects of multi-joint eccentric exercise on lower extremity muscle activation during land and water walking in young adults. Eccentric exercise, which involves the controlled lengthening of muscles under tension, was combined with aquatic walking to assess their combined impact on gait mechanics and muscle function. Participants completed land and water walking trials before and after eccentric exercise, with muscle activity recorded using surface electromyography.

Key findings revealed significant differences in muscle activation between land and water environments, with water walking showing higher tibialis anterior activity and lower gastrocnemius activation, particularly during the swing phase of gait. These differences suggest that water immersion promotes unique motor strategies that could reduce fall risks. Eccentric exercise had minimal disruption to stride kinematics but influenced co-activation of certain muscle groups. The findings highlight the potential of integrating eccentric and aquatic exercises into rehabilitation programs for improving gait and reducing fall risk, particularly in clinical populations such as older adults.