scholarly journals Optimizing athlete assessment of maximal force and rate of development: A comparison of the isometric squat and mid-thigh pull

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joao Renato Silva ◽  
Vasileios Sideris ◽  
Bryna C.R. Chrismas ◽  
Paul J. Read

ABSTRACTThis study compared force-time characteristics and muscle activity between the isometric squat (ISQ) and mid-thigh pull (IMTP) in both bilateral (ISQBI and IMTPBI) and unilateral (ISQUNI and IMTPUNI) stance. Peak force (PF), rate-of-force (RFD) (e.g. 0-300ms) and EMG of the multifidus, erector spinae (ES), gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL) and soleus were recorded in ten recreationally trained males. PF was significantly greater during the ISQBI vs. IMTPBI (p=0.016, ES=1.08) but not in the unilateral test mode although effects remained moderate (ES=0.62). A trend indicated heightened RFD300ms (p = 0.083; ES=0.81) during the IMTPBI vs. the ISQBI, but these effects were smaller in the unilateral test (ES = 0.51). Greater (p<0.0001) EMG for VL (ES=1.00-1.13) and VM were recorded during the ISQ compared to IMTP modes in both modes (ES = 0.97 – 1.18). Greater BF EMG (p = 0.030, ES = 0.31) was shown in IMTPBI vs. ISQBI and these effects were stronger in the unilateral modes (p = < 0.05; ES = 0.81 – 0.83). Significantly greater ST activation was shown in both IMTPUNI (p < 0.05; ES = 0.69-0.76) and IMTPBI (p < 0.001; ES = 1.08). These findings indicate that ISQ results in elevated PF, whereas, RFD is heightened during the IMTP and these differences are more pronounced in bilateral modes. Greater activation of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles are expected in ISQ and IMPT respectively.

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 2108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrej Meglič ◽  
Mojca Uršič ◽  
Aleš Škorjanc ◽  
Srđan Đorđević ◽  
Gregor Belušič

A piezo-resistive muscle contraction (MC) sensor was used to assess the contractile properties of seven human skeletal muscles (vastus medialis, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis, biceps femoris, erector spinae) during electrically stimulated isometric contraction. The sensor was affixed to the skin directly above the muscle centre. The length of the adjustable sensor tip (3, 4.5 and 6 mm) determined the depth of the tip in the tissue and thus the initial pressure on the skin, fatty and muscle tissue. The depth of the tip increased the signal amplitude and slightly sped up the time course of the signal by shortening the delay time. The MC sensor readings were compared to tensiomyographic (TMG) measurements. The signals obtained by MC only partially matched the TMG measurements, largely due to the faster response time of the MC sensor.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (02) ◽  
pp. E59-E66
Author(s):  
Roland van den Tillaar ◽  
Stian Larsen

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to compare kinematics and muscle activity between two variations of unilateral squats under different stability conditions. Twelve male volunteers (age: 23±5 years, mass: 80±17 kg, height: 1.81±0.11 m, strength-training experience: 4.3±1.9 years) performed four repetitions with the same external load (≈4RM). Two variations (with the non-stance leg forwards vs. backwards) were performed in a Smith-machine and free-weight condition. The variables were barbell velocity, lifting time and surface electromyography activity of the lower extremity and trunk muscles during the descending and ascending phase. The main findings were 1) peak force was higher when performing the unilateral squats in the Smith machine; 2) peak ascending barbell velocity increased from repetition 3–4 with free weight; and 3) muscle activity from the rectus femoris, vastus lateral, biceps femoris, gluteus medius, and erector spinae increased with repetitions, whereas gluteus, and medial vastus and shank muscles were affected by the conditions. It was concluded that more peak force could be produced because of increased stability. However, peak barbell velocity increased from repetition to repetition in free-weight unilateral squats, which was probably because the participants grew more comfortable. Furthermore, increased instability causes more gluteus and vastus medial activation and foot variations mainly affected the calf muscles.


Author(s):  
Kalvis Ciekurs ◽  
Viesturs Krauksts ◽  
Daina Krauksta ◽  
Baiba Smila ◽  
Aivars Kaupuzs

Local vibrostimulation (further in text - LV) is innovation as a part of training method that helps athletes to regain the power and get ready for next training faster. There are many discussions about how to increase moving speed in rowers. Many scientists research the possibilities of increasing moving speed in this sport. The following methods were used in the study: tests – Concept-2, LV manipulations, electromyography and mathematical statistics. The electromyography was made with Biometric LTD. LV manipulations were done to the muscles erector spinae, latisimus dorsi, teres major, teres minor, trapezius, infraspinatus, deltoideus, slenius capitis, triceps brachii, gluteus maximus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, castrocnemius, tendo calcaneus, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, tensor fascia latae, vastus medialis, sarterius, ligamentum patellae, tibialis anterior, rectus abdominis, pectoralis major and biceps brachii. We using 100 Hz frequency, 2 – 4 mm amplitude and different pressure on the muscles. The total LV application time was 5 to 20  min. The obtained data were processed using mathematical statistics. The results: having stated the result difference before LV and after it. The results testify significant improvement of Concept-2 tests results and electromyography results, what is showed by the difference of the mean results. Comparing the results of the rowers of EG and CG they have differences in the left side muscle latissimus dorsi after the t-test where p>0.05, but stating the percentage of the mean result difference of this muscle it was found out that p>0.05 what also shows significant changes in the muscle biopotential (mV).


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 216-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
In-cheol Jeon ◽  
Oh-yun Kwon ◽  
Jong-hyuck Weon ◽  
Ui-jae Hwang ◽  
Sung-hoon Jung

Context:Prone hip extension has been recommended for strengthening the back and hip muscles. Previous studies have investigated prone hip extension conducted with subjects on the floor in the prone position. However, no study has compared 3 different table hip-extension (THE) positions in terms of the activities of the back- and hip-joint muscles with lumbopelvic motion.Objective:To identify more effective exercises for strengthening the gluteus maximus (GM) by comparing 3 different exercises (THE alone, THE with the abdominal drawing-in maneuver [THEA], and THEA with chair support under the knee [THEAC]) based on electromyographic muscle activity and pelvic compensation.Design:Repeated-measure within-subject intervention.Setting:University research laboratory.Participants:16 healthy men.Main Outcome Measures:Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to obtain data on the GM, erector spinae (ES), multifidus, biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST). Pelvic compensation was monitored using an electromagnetic motion-tracking device. Exertion during each exercise was recorded. Any significant difference in electromyographic muscle activity and pelvic motion among the 3 conditions (THE vs THEA vs THEAC) was assessed using a 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc test.Results:The muscle activities recorded by EMG differed significantly among the 3 exercises (P < .01). GM activity was increased significantly during THEAC (P < .01). There was a significant difference in lumbopelvic kinematics in terms of anterior tilting (F = 19.49, P < .01) and rotation (F= 27.38, P < .01) among the 3 exercises.Conclusions:The THEAC exercise was the most effective for strengthening the GM without overactivity of the ES, BF, and ST muscles and lumbopelvic compensation compared with THE and THEA.


2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M. McBride ◽  
Tony R. Larkin ◽  
Andrea M. Dayne ◽  
Tracie L. Haines ◽  
Tyler J. Kirby

Purpose:The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of stable and unstable conditions on one repetition maximum strength and muscle activity during dynamic squatting using absolute and relative loading.Methods:Ten recreationally weight-trained males participated in this study (age = 24.1 ± 2.0 y, height = 178.0 ± 5.6 cm, body mass = 83.7 ± 13.4 kg, 1RM/body mass = 1.53 ± 0.31), which involved two laboratory sessions separated by 1 wk. Linear position transducers were used to track bar displacement while subjects stood on a force plate for all trials. Vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF) and erector spinae (L1) muscle activity (average integrated EMG [IEMG]) was also recorded during all trials. During the frst session subjects complete a one repetition maximum test in a stable dynamic squat (S1RM = 128.0 ± 31.4 kg) and an unstable dynamic squat (U1RM = 83.8 ± 17.3 kg) in a randomized order with a 30-min rest period between conditions. The second session consisted of the performance of three trials each for 12 different conditions (unstable and stable squats using three different absolute loads [six conditions] and unstable and stable squats using three different relative loads [six conditions]).Results:Results revealed a statistically significant difference between S1RM and U1RM values (P < .05). The stable trials resulted in the same or a significantly higher value for VL, BF and L1 muscle activity in comparison with the unstable trials for all twelve conditions.Conclusions:Unstable squatting is of equal or less (depending on the loading condition) benefit to improving or maximizing muscle activity during resistance exercise.


1988 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 315-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.-M. John Wilson ◽  
D. Gordon E. Robertson ◽  
J. Peter Stothart

In an effort to seek further understanding of lower limb muscle function in the rowing movement, an electromyographic analysis was undertaken of rowers rowing on a Gjessing ergometer. A strain gauged transducer was inserted in the ergometer linkage between handle and flywheel to detect pulling force. Electrodes were placed on the following lower limb muscles: gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior. Linear envelope electromyograms from each muscle and the force signals were sampled synchronously at 50 Hz. The results indicated that all six muscles were active from catch to finish of the drive phase. Biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, gastrocnemius, and vastus lateralis all began their activity at or just prior to catch and reached maximal excitation near peak force of the stroke. Rectus femoris and tibialis anterior activity began prior to the catch and reached maximal excitation subsequent to peak force. The coactivation of the five leg muscles, of which four were biarticular, included potentially antagonistic actions that would cancel each other’s effects. Clearly, however, other explanations must be considered. Both gastrocnemius and biceps femoris have been shown to act as knee extensors and may do so in the case of the rowing action. Furthermore, rectus femoris may act with unchanging length as a knee extensor by functioning as a rigid link between the pelvis and tibia. In this manner, energy created by the hip extensors is transferred across the knee joint via the isometrically contracting rectus femoris muscle.


Author(s):  
Ha-Rim Sung ◽  
Se-Jung Oh ◽  
Jun-Nam Ryu ◽  
Yong-Jun Cha

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the most effective ankle joint position for squat exercise by comparing muscle activities of lower extremity and erector spinae muscles in different ankle joint positions. METHODS: Thirty-seven normal healthy adults in their 20s participated in this study. Muscle activities of dominant vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and erect spinae were measured in three ankle joint positions; dorsiflexion, neutral, and plantar flexion. RESULTS: Muscle activities of the vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, and erector spinae muscles were statistically different in the three ankle joint positions during squat exercise (p< 0.05). Vastus medialis oblique muscles showed higher muscle activity in ankle plantar flexion than in the dorsiflexion or neutral positions (plantar flexion > neutral position, +3.3% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC); plantar flexion > dorsiflexion, +12.2% of MVIC, respectively). Vastus lateralis muscles showed 7.1% of MVIC greater muscle activity in the neutral position than in dorsiflexion, and erector spinae muscles showed higher muscle activity in dorsiflexion than in plantar flexion or in the neutral position (dorsiflexion > neutral position, +4.3% of MVIC; dorsiflexion > plantar flexion, +7.1% of MVIC, respectively). CONCLUSION: In squat exercises designed to strengthen the vastus medialis oblique, ankle joint plantar flexion is probably the most effective ankle training position, and the dorsiflexion position might be the most effective exercise for strengthening the erector spinae muscle.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan U. Yavuz ◽  
Deniz Erdag

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible kinematic and muscular activity changes with maximal loading during squat maneuver. Fourteen healthy male individuals, who were experienced at performing squats, participated in this study. Each subject performed squats with 80%, 90%, and 100% of the previously established 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Electromyographic (EMG) activities were measured for the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, and erector spinae by using an 8-channel dual-mode portable EMG and physiological signal data acquisition system (Myomonitor IV, Delsys Inc., Boston, MA, USA). Kinematical data were analyzed by using saSuite 2D kinematical analysis program. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance (p<0.05). Overall muscle activities increased with increasing loads, but significant increases were seen only for vastus medialis and gluteus maximus during 90% and 100% of 1RM compared to 80% while there was no significant difference between 90% and 100% for any muscle. The movement pattern in the hip joint changed with an increase in forward lean during maximal loading. Results may suggest that maximal loading during squat may not be necessary for focusing on knee extensor improvement and may increase the lumbar injury risk.


Author(s):  
Jim T. C. Luk ◽  
Freeman K. C. Kwok ◽  
Indy M. K. Ho ◽  
Del P. Wong

This study aimed to compare the neuromuscular activation of selected core musculature in supine and prone bridge exercises under stable versus suspended conditions. Forty-three healthy male participants were recruited to measure the electromyographic activities of the rectus abdominis (RA), lumbar multifidus (LM), thoracic erector spinae (TES), rectus femoris (RF), gluteus maximus (GM), and biceps femoris (BF) during supine and prone bridge exercises under six conditions: control, both arms and feet on the floor (Pronecon and Supinecon); arms on the floor and feet on the suspension system (Prone-Feetsuspension and Supine-Feetsuspension); and arms on the suspension system and feet on the floor (Prone-Armsuspension and Supine-Armsuspension). Prone-Armsuspension yielded significantly higher activities in the RA, RF, TES, and LM than Prone-Feetsuspension (p < 0.01) and Pronecon (p < 0.001). Moreover, Supine-Feetsuspension elicited significantly higher activities in the RA, RF, TES, LM, and BF than Supine-Armsuspension (p < 0.01) and Supinecon (p < 0.001). Furthermore, Supine-Feetsuspension elicited significantly higher activities in the RF, TES, and BF than Supinecon (p < 0.01). Therefore, if the RA and/or RF were the target training muscles, then Prone-Armsuspension was recommended. However, if the TES, LM, and/or BF were the target training muscles, then Supine-Feetsuspension was recommended.


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