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Comparative Analysis of Lower Limb Muscle Recruitment Patterns during Stair Ascent and Descent in Pronated Foot Individuals with and without Low Back Pain
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Shirin Aali1   , Farhad Rezazadeh2 , Hamed Sheikhalizadeh3 |
1- Farhangian University, P.O & Tehran, Iran
2- Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology & University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil , Rezazadeh.farhad@uma.ac.ir
3- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences & Mohaghegh Ardabili University |
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Abstract: (13 Views) |
Abstract
Background: Although foot pronation and low back pain are prevalent musculoskeletal conditions, their combined effect on neuromuscular control during demanding functional tasks remains underexplored. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to comparatively analyze the electromyographic (EMG) activity amplitude of selected lower limb muscles during stair ascent and descent in individuals with pronated feet, with and without chronic low back pain, to identify potential compensatory recruitment strategies.
Methods: In this cross-sectional comparative study, 28 young males with pronated feet participated and were divided into two groups: an experimental group including 14 individuals with pronated feet and non-specific chronic low back pain, and a control group of 14 individuals with pronated feet without low back pain. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of eight selected lower limb muscles was recorded during stair ascent and descent phases and normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC).
Results: The results showed that in the low back pain group, the activity of the semitendinosus muscle during stair climbing was significantly lower than in the control group (P = 0.015). In contrast, during stair descent, the activity of the rectus femoris (P = 0.042) and semitendinosus muscles (P = 0.002) was significantly higher in the low back pain group than in the control group. No significant differences were observed in the activity of other muscles (TA, GC, VM, VL, BF, GlutM) between the two groups.
Conclusion: The coexistence of low back pain and foot pronation is associated with altered muscle activation patterns, including reduced hip extensor activity during ascent (likely to reduce load) and increased co-contraction and muscle activity during descent (to enhance stability and biomechanical control). These findings reveal that in the rehabilitation of patients with low back pain and foot pronation, attention to lower limb muscle recruitment strategies, especially during eccentric activities such as stair descent, is of great importance. |
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| Keywords: Electromyography, Muscle activity, Low back pain, Foot pronation. |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Sport Physiology
Received: 2025/12/19 | Accepted: 2026/02/15 | Published: 2026/05/23
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