Kinematics and myoelectric activity during stair-climbing ergometry

Abstract

Stair-climbing ergometry has become a popular mode of aerobic exercise, yet little research on the biomechanics of stair-climbing ergometry has been reported. This study was conducted to evaluate kinematics and myoelectric activity in major agonist muscle groups over 22 minutes of stair-climbing ergometry at 75% of each subject's predicted VO2max. Data were captured over 30-second intervals beginning at 3.5, 9.5, 15.5, and 21.5 minutes of exercise. Multivariate analysis of variance for the kinematic variables revealed a significant (p < 0.05) change in hand placement from a higher to a lower position over time. Multivariate analysis of variance for the electromyographic values revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in activity in the gluteus maximus and vastus lateralis between 3.5 and 9.5 minutes, representing an adjustment to the exercise workload. The normal range of motion and trunk angle values documented should prove helpful to fitness and rehabilitation specialists in prescribing stair-climbing ergometry.