Date of Award
2018
Document Type
Dissertation - MUSC Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College
College of Health Professions
First Advisor
Mark G. Bowden
Second Advisor
Colleen A. Hanlon
Third Advisor
Chris M. Gregory
Fourth Advisor
Zoher F. Kapasi
Abstract
Background: Rehabilitation after neurologic injury is dependent upon having knowledge of mechanisms necessary for the recovery of functional mobility and gait. Systematically investigating the impact of altering walking parameters, muscle activation, load, and position on neuromechanical outcomes in healthy controls is essential to gain understanding to progress neurorehabilitation research. Methods: Healthy controls participated in walking trials with alterations in spatiotemporal parameters and neurophysiological assessments with alterations in position, load, and muscle activation. Kinetic and neurophysiological measures were recorded. Results: When manipulating spatiotemporal parameters in walking, hip extension was successfully altered, and those changes significantly correlated with kinetic outcomes. Changes in position had an impact on descending neuro drive, whereas changes in load did not. Interlimb neurophysiological comparisons revealed symmetrical results. Conclusions: Investigation of parameters to alter motor output and neuro-motor excitability helps to begin to overcome a critical barrier in the assessment of the neural control of walking.
Recommended Citation
Wonsetler, Elizabeth Carr, "Biomechanical and Neurophysiological Responses to Alterations in Kinematics, Muscle Activation, Position, and Load" (2018). MUSC Theses and Dissertations. 319.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/theses/319
Rights
All rights reserved. Copyright is held by the author.