LOWER LIMB JOINT AND MUSCLE FORCES DURING SLOPED WALKING AT SELFSELECTED SPEED

The aim of this study was to analyse lower limb joint and muscle forces during level and sloped walking. Male participants (n=18, 27+-5 y, 1.80+-0.05 m, 75+-8 kg) walked at -speed at level and on a ramp (+-18"). Joint and muscle forces were analysed using a musculoskeletal model. Downhill walking increased maximum tibiofemoral and patellofemoral compression forces and decreased ankle compression forces, while uphill walking increased all analysed lower limb joint forces. Muscle forces were altered during sloped walking. Amongst others, downhill walking increased quadriceps (>248%) and decreased gastrocnemii (less than 63%) muscle forces in comparison to level walking. Uphill walking increased mean quadriceps (>57%) and gastmnemii (>40%) muscle forces. Results might be used for the development of rehabilitation and training procedures