title: Leg muscle activation and distance setting of the leg cycle ergometer for use by the elderly.
abstract: [Purpose] This study verified the leg muscle activities of elderly subjects performing leg cycle ergometer exercise. [Subjects] Forty-one elderly persons were the subjects of this study. [Methods] For the three distances corresponding to knee flexion angles of 15, 45, and 70, the muscle activities of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior and lateral gastrocnemius were measured while the subjects exercised on a cycle ergometer. [Results] The rectus femoris and biceps femoris showed statistically significant increases as the distance between the cycle ergometer and the body increased, and the lateral gastrocnemius muscle activation showed a statistically significant increase as the distance from the body to the cycle ergometer decreased. [Conclusion] When the elderly have limb muscle weakness, leg cycle ergometer distances should be adjusted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiologic Technology, Daegu Health College, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Seon-Chill
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Science, Kyungsung University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Sang-Yeol
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Oriental Sports Medicine, College of Health & Therapy, Daegu Haany University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Young-Ik
authors.initials: YI
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Cycle ergometer; Electromyography; Selective muscle strengthening