title: Soleus activity in post-stroke subjects: movement sequence from standing to sitting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The beginning of the movement sequence from standing to sitting requires the modulation of plantar flexors activity, including the soleus muscle (SOL), to allow the forward translation of the tibia in relation to the foot, preserving its antigravity function.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the SOL activity during the initial phase of standing to sitting in stroke subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two groups of ten subjects each participated in this study, one composed of healthy subjects and the other with subjects with a history of stroke. Electromyographic activity (EMGa) of SOL was analyzed in the ipsilateral (IPSI) and contralateral (CONTRA) limb to side lesion in stroke subjects, and in one limb in healthy subjects during the initial phase of standing to sitting. A force plate was used to identify the movement sequence phase.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean values of SOL EMGa were higher in healthy subjects than the ones obtained in the IPSI and CONTRA limb in stroke subjects. Significant differences were only observed between the IPSI and healthy limb (p=0.035).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When compared to the healthy subjects, stroke subjects showed a decreased SOL EMGa in the IPSI limb, which suggests that therapeutic decisions must consider the need to promote a better postural control also in the IPSI limb.
authors: Àrea Cientifica de Fisioterapia, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. smaugusta@gmail.com
authors: Augusta
authors: A
authors: Silva
authors: Andreia S P
authors: AS
authors: Sousa
authors: Rita
authors: R
authors: Pinheiro
authors: João Manuel R S
authors: JM
authors: Tavares
authors: Rubim
authors: R
authors: Santos
authors: Filipa
authors: F
authors: Sousa
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*