3D musculoskeletal models with Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint has not been studied for uphill walking, though uphill walking is very demanding for MTP joint. We aimed to compare EMG activities of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and flexor hallucis lo...
3D musculoskeletal models with Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint has not been studied for uphill walking, though uphill walking is very demanding for MTP joint. We aimed to compare EMG activities of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) between level and uphill walking. EMG data of four subjects were collected during level walking, 15° and 25° uphill walking. One-way ANOVA tests and post-hoc tests were performed (α= 0.05). The 1st peak activity of EDL (all p<0.05: 0° vs. 15°; 0° vs. 25°), 2nd peak activity of EDL (all p<0.05: 0° vs. 15°; 0° vs. 25°; 15° vs. 25°), 1st peak activity of FHL (all p<0.05: 0° vs. 15°; 0° vs. 25°; 15° vs. 25°) and 2nd peak activity of FHL (all p<0.05: 0° vs. 15°; 0° vs. 25°; 15° vs. 25°) were significantly different. The 2nd peak activity of EDL and FHL increased by 175% and 275% during 15° and 25° uphill walking, respectively, compared to the level walking. As the slope angle increases, more FHL strength is needed for toe flexor to obtain propulsion force at push-off phase. Our results suggest that maximum isometric force of MTP joint muscles in a musculoskeletal model should be increased to study biomechanics of uphill walking.