Journal article
Improving walking ability in people with neurological conditions: A theoretical framework for biomechanics driven exercise prescription
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vol.100(6), pp.1184-1190
2019
PMID: 30690011
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to discuss how knowledge of the biomechanics of walking can be used to inform the prescription of resistance exercises for people with mobility limitations. Muscle weakness is a key physical impairment that limits walking in commonly occurring neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and stroke. Few randomised trials to date have shown conclusively that strength training improves walking in people living with these conditions. This appears to be because 1) the most important muscle groups for forward propulsion when walking have not been targeted for strengthening, and 2) strength training protocols have focused on slow and heavy resistance exercises, which do not improve the fast muscle contractions required for walking. We propose a theoretical framework to improve exercise prescription by integrating the biomechanics of walking with the principles of strength training outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), to prescribe exercises that are specific to improving the task of walking. The high angular velocities that occur in the lower limb joints during walking indicate that resistance exercises targeting power generation would be most appropriate. Therefore, we propose the prescription of plyometric and ballistic resistance exercise, applied using the ACSM guidelines for task-specificity, once people with neurological conditions are ambulating, to improve walking outcomes. This new theoretical framework for resistance training ensures that exercise prescription matches how the muscles work during walking.
Details
- Title
- Improving walking ability in people with neurological conditions: A theoretical framework for biomechanics driven exercise prescription
- Authors
- Gavin Williams (Author) - University of MelbourneLeanne Hassett (Author) - University of SydneyRoss Clark (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Health & Sports SciencesAdam Bryant (Author) - University of MelbourneJohn Olver (Author) - Epworth HealthcareMeg E Morris (Author) - La Trobe UniversityLouise Ada (Author) - University of Sydney
- Publication details
- Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vol.100(6), pp.1184-1190
- Publisher
- W.B. Saunders Co.
- Date published
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.apmr.2019.01.003
- ISSN
- 0003-9993; 1532-821X; 0003-9993
- PMID
- 30690011
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451448202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Rehabilitation
- Sport Sciences
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Source: InCites