Verification of Muscle Activity and Stability Effect According to Walking Conditions(Level, Ramp, Stair) When Carrying Heavy Weight after Wearing a Wearable Suit

Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to verify the support effect of muscle activity and stability according to walking conditions (Level, Ramp, and Stair) before and after wearing a suit with a 12kg heavy weight load.METHODS To accomplish the purpose of the study, subjects (n=10) underwent Electromyography (EMG) measurement under the same conditions for 10 different muscles, and COP width was calculated through foot pressure measurement. The experimental movement was level walking, Ramp walking, and stair walking, each carrying a 12kg load, and measured once before and after wearing a wearable suit.RESULTS Electrolyography (EMG) measurement revealed a significant difference in the average EMG values of muscle activity of R.RF in level walking(p<.05), R.RF and L.RF in ramp walking(p<.01), L.RF and L.BF in stair walking (p<.05). COP width measurement revealed a significant difference in the reduction of COP width in all walks (level walking, ramp walking, stair) (p<.05, p<.01, p<.001).CONCLUSIONS The effects of wearing a wearable suit are as follows. First, the wearable suit has a significant effect of assisting the Rectus Femoris muscle. Second, there is a gait stability effect by wearing a wearable suit.