Affiliations: [a] Institute of Sports Medicine and Prevention,
University of Potsdam, Germany | [b] Medical Clinic, Department of Rehabilitative and
Preventive Sports Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany | [c] Department of Sport and Sports Science, University of
Freiburg, Germany
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Heiner Baur, University of Potsdam,
Institute of Sports Medicine and Prevention, Am Neuen Palais 10 – Haus 12,
14469 Potsdam, Germany. Tel.: +49 331 977 1127; Fax: +49 331 977 1296; E-mail:
hbaur@uni-potsdam.de
Abstract: It still remains unclear whether muscular activity on the treadmill
(T) differs compared to overground (O) running. The purpose of this study was
therefore to examine possible differences in muscular activation between T and
O. 14 healthy runners were analyzed in a neutral running shoe at
12 km·h^{-1} on a treadmill and in a
field test. Muscular activity (EMG) of the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus,
and soleus were measured. Time and amplitude quantities were assessed during
the gait cycle. The EMG of the peroneus longus exhibited a later onset, a later
maximum and shorter total time of activation (p<0.05) in O.
The soleus showed a higher amplitudes in O during the push-off phase
(p<0.05). Altered peroneus longus activity may indicate its
role as an ankle stabilizer and demonstrates a compensatory response due to
changing mechanical conditions. Weaker amplitudes of the soleus in the push-off
during T suggest adaptation to the movement of the treadmill belt, and/or
changes in load receptor input. Differences in muscle activity between T and O
running must thus be taken into consideration in studies of neuromuscular
control of movement.
Keywords: Electromyography, motor control, overground running, treadmill running
