Variability and biomechanics of synergy patterns of some lower-limb muscles during ascending and descending stairs and level walking

Electromyographic patterns of selected lower-limb muscles were investigated in highly-trained male athletes and nonathletes during ascending and descending stairs and level walking. Significant variability is found between the individual patterns for ascending and descending, although primary patterns can be identified. Some of the primary patterns found are different from those previously reported. The atypicalities are not related to athletic training nor to the incidence of knee injury/surgery among the athletes. All gaits appeared kinematically similar and some general biomechanical observations are presented.