Effects of various gait speeds on the latissimus dorsi and gluteus maximus muscles associated with the posterior oblique sling system.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Within-subject observational biomechanical study without a control cohort
PubMed 24396195 · doi:10.1589/jpts.25.1391
What was done
Fourteen young adult males walked on a treadmill at three distinct speeds (1.5 km/h, 3.5 km/h, and 5.5 km/h). Researchers measured electromyographic activity in the left latissimus dorsi and right gluteus maximus muscles to evaluate the posterior oblique sling system across different walking paces.
What was found
No numerical values, effect sizes, or exact p-values were reported in the abstract. The abstract states that left latissimus dorsi activity increased significantly at 5.5 km/h compared with 1.5 km/h and 3.5 km/h, and right gluteus maximus activity increased significantly in the order of 1.5 km/h < 3.5 km/h < 5.5 km/h.
Why it matters
This study provides biomechanical data showing that increasing gait speed recruits the contralateral trunk and hip musculature comprising the posterior oblique sling.
Limits
The sample is very small (n = 14) and limited entirely to young adult males. The abstract reports no numerical data or variances, and measurements were conducted on a treadmill rather than during natural overground walking.
Cited by
- supports Connective tissue slings span across different planes in the body, connecting anatomical structures such as the posterior side of the left shoulder to the posterior side of the right glute.