Development of an active-control foot press trainer and comparison of lower limb muscle activity by exercise type and intensity

Background: Addressing lower limb disabilities in stroke survivors is crucial for enhancing gait patterns and overall mobility. Objective: This study aimed to develop an active-control foot press trainer (AFPT) to strengthen lower extremity muscles to improve rehabilitation outcomes. Methods: This study utilized AFPT to examine the effects of different exercise types (forefoot exercise, FFE; Rearfoot Exercise, RFE) and intensities (30 and 15 repetition maxima) on lower limb muscle activity. Ten healthy women participated in the evaluation of muscle activation during ankle exercises in the standing position. Results: The FFE primarily activated the Tibialis Anterior (TA), Gastrocnemius Medialis (GM), and Gastrocnemius Lateralis (GL), whereas the RFE engaged the Rectus Femoris (RF). Increased exercise intensity led to higher activity in the GM and GL in the FFE and TA in the RFE, indicating the potential for tailored exercise protocols. Conclusions: AFPT is a valuable tool for personalized rehabilitation, allowing variable exercise methods and intensities. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of AFPT in a broader population, including stroke survivors. Moreover, enhancing AFPT technology and developing diverse training programs are crucial as these advancements will significantly support the rehabilitation of individuals requiring lower limb and gait training, including stroke survivors.