Date of Award

2018

Embargo Period

8-1-2024

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.

Rights

All rights reserved. Copyright is held by the author.

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