Differential activation of the plantar flexor muscles in balance control across different feet orientations on the ground

Abstract

The ankle plantar flexor muscles act synergistically to control quiet and dynamic body balance. Previous research has shown that the medial (MG) and lateral (LG) gastrocnemii, and soleus (SOL) are differentially activated as a function of motor task requirements. In the present investigation, we evaluated modulation of the plantar flexors' activation from feet orientation on the ground in an upright stance and the ensuing reactive response to a perturbation. A single group of young participants (n = 24) was evaluated in a task requiring initial stabilization of body balance against a backward pulling load (5% or 10% of body weight) attached to their trunk, and then the balance was suddenly perturbed, releasing the load. Four feet orientations were compared: parallel (0°), outward orientation at 15° and 30°, and the preferred orientation (M = 10.5°). Results revealed a higher activation magnitude of SOL compared to MG-LG when sustaining quiet balance against the 10% load. In the generation of reactive responses, MG was characterized by earlier, steeper, and proportionally higher activation than LG-SOL. Feet orientation at 30° led to higher muscular activation than the other orientations, while the activation relationship across muscles was unaffected by feet orientation. Our results support the conclusion of task-specific differential modulation of the plantar flexor muscles for balance control.