Comparison of the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles isolation ratios during the sit-to-stand movement in elderly people.
Sang-Hoon Lee, Won-Gyu Yoo
PMID 28626313WHAT IT FOUND
In 10 elderly women, tibialis anterior contributed more than soleus before the thighs left the chair during sit-to-stand.
After thigh-off, contributions were similar. This is a muscle activation comparison, not evidence of fall prevention.
Key findings
01Before thigh-off, tibialis anterior isolation ratio was 62.4 ± 8.5%, significantly higher than soleus isolation ratio of 37.5 ± 8.5% (p<0.05).
02After thigh-off, tibialis anterior and soleus isolation ratios did not significantly differ (49.8 ± 15.5 and 50.1 ± 15.1%; p>0.05).
03The study measured 10 elderly women who had no muscular pathology and could stand and walk independently.
STILL TO COME
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What it does not show
Only 10 elderly women were studied, and all could stand and walk independently without muscular pathology, gait disorders, balance disorders, or chronic deficiencies, so the result may not apply to people who cannot stand independently or have those conditions. The study measured only EMG isolation ratios during sit-to-stand; it did not measure falls, function, pain, or response to treatment. Only the dominant lower extremity was measured, so the other side may differ. The discussion's suggestion that soleus strengthening might reduce fall risk was not tested.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that soleus strengthening reduces fall risk. The study measured EMG isolation ratios in 10 elderly women without muscular pathology or balance disorders during sit-to-stand and did not test an exercise program or fall outcomes.