Alterations of Muscle Activation Pattern in Stroke Survivors during Obstacle Crossing

Abstract

Greater activation levels of the lower limb muscles resulted in higher muscular demands for stroke survivors, which might lead to greater difficulty in maintaining balance. The increased cocontraction during obstacle crossing might be compensation for the affected stability and enable safe crossing for stroke survivors. The reduced MPF in the affected limb of the stroke group might be due to impairments in motor units or other complex neuromuscular alterations.