RESEARCH

Electromyographic Analysis of Upper- and Lower-extremity Muscles in Adults during Agro-healing Activities

This study used electromyography to measure muscle activity in 21 adults during agro-healing activities like digging, raking, and interacting with animals. The results indicated that lower-extremity muscles were generally more active, and specific activities engaged different muscle groups in the upper extremities, providing data for designing targeted exercise programs.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Farms

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Physical Health, Increased Horticultural Knowledge

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Meal/Diet-Based Activities, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Physical Health, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Free

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Summary

This study analyzed muscle activity during agro-healing activities to inform the design of programs that improve physical function. Twenty-one adults participated in 15 selected agro-healing activities at D Care Farm in Cheongju, Korea, from June to July 2022. The activities included digging, raking, plant-related tasks, interacting with dogs, walking dogs, and feeding fish.

Researchers used electromyography (EMG) to measure muscle activation in the upper and lower extremities, and participants rated their perceived exertion for each task. Results showed lower-extremity muscles were more active overall. Right forearm muscles were more active during plant-related tasks using heavy tools, while left forearm muscles were more active during animal interactions. The data suggests that different agro-healing activities engage different muscle groups, which can be used to inform targeted exercise programs.

Link

Park, K., & Park, S. (2024). Electromyographic analysis of upper-and lower-extremity muscles in adults during Agro-healing activities. HortTechnology, 34(3), 2520264.

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