Ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors neuromuscular electrical stimulation training impacts gait kinematics in older adults: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: While ankle muscles, highly affected by aging, are highly implicated in the changes in gait kinematics and involved in the limitation of seniors' mobility, whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training of these muscles could impact gait kinematics in older adults has not been investigated yet.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the effects of 12 weeks of ankle plantar and dorsiflexors NMES training on strength and gait kinematics in healthy older adults?

METHODS: Fourteen older adults (73.6 ± 4.9 years) performed a three-time per week, three months long NMES training of both ankle plantar and dorsiflexors. Before and after training, neuromuscular parameters, gait kinematic parameters, and daily physical activity were measured.

RESULTS: The participants significantly increased their lower limb muscle mass and their plantar and dorsiflexors isometric strength after training. They reduced the hip abduction/adduction and the pelvic anterior tilt range of motion and variability during gait. However, the participants became less active after the training.

SIGNIFICANCE: NMES training of ankle muscles, by increasing ankle muscle mass and strength,modified gait kinematics. NMES training of ankle muscles is feasible and effective to lower the hip implication and increment foot progression angle during gait. Further study should determine if this could lower the risk of falling.