Effects of External Upper Limb Loading on Gait and Trunk Muscle Activity in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

External Upper Limb Loading During Treadmill Walking: Participants walk on a treadmill at controlled speeds (3 km/h and 5 km/h) under three conditions: without external load, with unilateral upper-limb loading (dominant and non-dominant side), and with bilateral upper-limb loading. Gait parameters and lower-limb/trunk muscle activity are recorded simultaneously via surface electromyography (sEMG) and baropodometry integrated into the treadmill system. This is a non-invasive assessment procedure, not a therapeutic intervention.

Study summary

This study examines how external loading applied to the upper limbs affects gait parameters and the activity of selected trunk- and pelvis-stabilizing muscles (erector spinae, gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae, external oblique) in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. Participants are medically stable adults (18-80 years) referred to cardiac rehabilitation following a cardiac event or procedure, meeting NYHA class I-II criteria, with no unstable coronary disease, uncontrolled hypertension, neurological disease, or other exclusion criteria.

Participants will walk on a treadmill at 1 km/h, 3 km/h and 5 km/h under three conditions: without load, with unilateral upper-limb loading, and with bilateral upper-limb loading. Muscle activity will be recorded using surface electromyography (sEMG), and plantar pressure/gait parameters will be recorded simultaneously using baropodometry integrated into the treadmill. The procedure is non-invasive, does not breach the skin, and does not involve any additional intervention beyond standard rehabilitation. To contextualize functional outcomes, previously collected exercise stress test results (performed independently by the treating physician before and after cardiac rehabilitation, as part of routine clinical care) will be retrieved from participants' medical records for comparison; this is a retrospective data comparison, not an additional study intervention.

No financial compensation is provided. Each participant will receive an individual report of their sEMG and gait findings with professional interpretation. Risks are minimal and limited to transient skin irritation from electrodes and mild, temporary muscle fatigue or soreness typical of moderate exercise. Participants may withdraw at any time.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Mean sEMG-Derived Neuromuscular Asymmetry Index — Day 1 of cardiac rehabilitation (baseline)
  Asymmetry index from normalized RMS sEMG amplitude of erector spinae, gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae, and external oblique, dominant vs. non-dominant side during unloaded treadmill walking. Expressed as a percentage; 0% indicates perfect symmetry, higher values greater asymmetry. Unit of Measure: percentage · Measure Type: Mean
• Mean Plantar Pressure Distribution Asymmetry Index — Day 1 of cardiac rehabilitation (baseline)
  Asymmetry index from baropodometric plantar pressure distribution, dominant vs. non-dominant lower limb during unloaded treadmill walking. Expressed as a percentage; 0% indicates perfect symmetry, higher values greater asymmetry. Unit of Measure: percentage · Measure Type: Mean
• Mean Spatiotemporal Gait Asymmetry Index — Day 1 of cardiac rehabilitation (baseline)
  Asymmetry index from spatiotemporal gait parameters (step length, stance and swing phase duration), dominant vs. non-dominant lower limb during unloaded treadmill walking. Expressed as a percentage; 0% indicates perfect symmetry, higher values greater asymmetry. Unit of Measure: percentage · Measure Type: Mean

Trial sites (1)

Other trials for the same condition