Lower-Extremity Muscle Activation during the Star Excursion Balance Tests

2001 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Erin Earl ◽  
Jay Hertel
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Lower Extremity Muscle ◽  
Balance Tests ◽  
Integrated Emg

Objective:To identify integrated EMG (I-EMG) activity of 6 lower-extremity muscles during the 8 Star Excursion Balance Tests (SEBTs).Design and Setting:Repeated measures, laboratory setting.Subjects:10 healthy young adults.Interventions:The SEBTs require the subject to balance on the stance leg and maximally reach with the contralateral foot along each of 8 lines extending from a common axis at 45° intervals.Measures:I-EMG activity of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), medial hamstring (MH), biceps femoris (BF), anterior tibialis (AT), and gas-trocnemius.Results:Significant differences were found in all muscles (P < .05) except the gastrocnemius (P = .08). VMO and VL activity tended to be greatest with anteriorly directed excursions, whereas the MH and BF activity were greatest with posteriorly directed excursions. AT activity was lowest with the lateral excursion.Conclusions:Performance of the different SEBTs results in different lower-extremity muscle-activation patterns.

Altering muscle activity in the lower extremities by bipedal landing with different drop tasks and shoes

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Yang Yang ◽  
Changxiao Yu ◽  
Chenhao Yang ◽  
Liqin Deng ◽  
Weijie Fu
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
The Body ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Lower Extremity Muscle ◽  
Body Tissues

BACKGROUND: The ability of the lower-extremity muscle activation directly affects the performance and in turn interacts with the loading conditions of the muscle itself. However, systematic information concerning the characteristics of lower-extremity muscle during landings is lacking. In particular, the landing height and shoes are also important factors based on the actual situation, which could further contribute to understanding the neuromuscular activity and how biochemical response of the body tissues to double-leg drop landings. OBJECTIVE: The study was to investigate the effects of landing tasks on the activation of lower-extremity muscles and explore the relationship among movement control, landing heights, shoe cushioning, and muscle activities. METHODS: Twelve male basketball players were recruited to perform drop jump (DJ) and passive landing (PL) from three heights (30, 45, and 60 cm) while wearing highly-cushioned basketball shoes (HC) and less-cushioned control shoes (LC). EMG electrodes were used to record the activities of the target muscles (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, and lateral gastrocnemius) during the landing tasks. RESULTS: Pre- and post-activation activity of the lower-extremity muscles significantly decreased during PL compared with those during DJ (p< 0.05). No significant shoe effects on the characteristics of muscle activation and coactivation during DJ movements were observed. However, the participants wearing LC showed significantly higher muscle post-activation (p< 0.05) at the three drop heights during PL compared with those wearing HC. Coactivation of the ankle muscles was higher in LC than in HC during 30-cm PL (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The activation patterns of lower-extremity muscles can be significantly influenced by landing types. Highly-cushioned basketball shoes would help reduce the risk of injuries by appropriately tuning the muscles during the PL.

The Influence of Ambulatory Aid on Lower-Extremity Muscle Activation During Gait

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Sanders ◽  
Anton E. Bowden ◽  
Spencer Baker ◽  
Ryan Jensen ◽  
McKenzie Nichols ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Atrophy ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Ankle Injuries ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Leg Muscles ◽  
Lower Extremity Muscle

Context: Foot and ankle injuries are common and often require a nonweight-bearing period of immobilization for the involved leg. This nonweight-bearing period usually results in muscle atrophy for the involved leg. There is a dearth of objective data describing muscle activation for different ambulatory aids that are used during the aforementioned nonweight-bearing period. Objective: To compare activation amplitudes for 4 leg muscles during (1) able-bodied gait and (2) ambulation involving 3 different ambulatory aids that can be used during the acute phase of foot and ankle injury care. Design: Within-subject, repeated measures. Setting: University biomechanics laboratory. Participants: Sixteen able-bodied individuals (7 females and 9 males). Intervention: Each participant performed able-bodied gait and ambulation using 3 different ambulatory aids (traditional axillary crutches, knee scooter, and a novel lower-leg prosthesis). Main Outcome Measure: Muscle activation amplitude quantified via mean surface electromyography amplitude throughout the stance phase of ambulation. Results: Numerous statistical differences (P < .05) existed for muscle activation amplitude between the 4 observed muscles, 3 ambulatory aids, and able-bodied gait. For the involved leg, comparing the 3 ambulatory aids: (1) knee scooter ambulation resulted in the greatest vastus lateralis activation, (2) ambulation using the novel prosthesis and traditional crutches resulted in greater biceps femoris activation than knee scooter ambulation, and (3) ambulation using the novel prosthesis resulted in the greatest gastrocnemius activation (P < .05). Generally speaking, muscle activation amplitudes were most similar to able-bodied gait when subjects were ambulating using the knee scooter or novel prosthesis. Conclusions: Type of ambulatory aid influences muscle activation amplitude. Traditional axillary crutches appear to be less likely to mitigate muscle atrophy during the nonweighting, immobilization period that often follows foot or ankle injuries. Researchers and clinicians should consider these results when recommending ambulatory aids for foot or ankle injuries.

scholarly journals Electromyography, Stiffness and Kinematics of Resisted Sprint Training in the Specialized SKILLRUN® Treadmill Using Different Load Conditions in Rugby Players

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 7482
Author(s):  
Antonio Martínez-Serrano ◽  
Elena Marín-Cascales ◽  
Konstantinos Spyrou ◽  
Tomás T. Freitas ◽  
Pedro E. Alcaraz
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Sprint Training ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Load Conditions

This study’s aim was to analyze muscle activation and kinematics of sled-pushing and resisted-parachute sprinting with three load conditions on an instrumentalized SKILLRUN® treadmill. Nine male amateur rugby union players (21.3 ± 4.3 years, 75.8 ± 10.2 kg, 176.6 ± 8.8 cm) performed a sled-push session consisting of three 15-m repetitions at 20%, 55% and 90% body mas and another resisted-parachute session using three different parachute sizes (XS, XL and 3XL). Sprinting kinematics and muscle activity of three lower-limb muscles (biceps femoris (BF), vastus lateralis (VL) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM)) were measured. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) showed that higher loads during the sled-push increased (VL) (p ≤ 0.001) and (GM) (p ≤ 0.001) but not (BF) (p = 0.278) activity. Furthermore, it caused significant changes in sprinting kinematics, stiffness and joint angles. Resisted-parachute sprinting did not change kinematics or muscle activation, despite producing a significant overload (i.e., speed loss). In conclusion, increased sled-push loading caused disruptions in sprinting technique and altered lower-limb muscle activation patterns as opposed to the resisted-parachute. These findings might help practitioners determine the more adequate resisted sprint exercise and load according to the training objective (e.g., power production or speed performance).

scholarly journals Role of Occupational Footwear and Prolonged Walking on Lower Extremity Muscle Activation during Maximal Exertions and Postural Stability Tasks

Biomechanics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-213
Author(s):  
Harish Chander ◽  
Sachini N. K. Kodithuwakku Arachchige ◽  
Alana J. Turner ◽  
Reuben F. Burch V ◽  
Adam C. Knight ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Postural Stability ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Medial Gastrocnemius ◽  
Lower Extremity Muscle ◽  
Prolonged Duration ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Background: Occupational footwear and a prolonged duration of walking have been previously reported to play a role in maintaining postural stability. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the impact of three types of occupational footwear: the steel-toed work boot (ST), the tactical work boot (TB), and the low-top work shoe (LT) on previously unreported lower extremity muscle activity during postural stability tasks. Methods: Electromyography (EMG) muscle activity was measured from four lower extremity muscles (vastus medialis (VM), medial hamstrings (MH), tibialis anterior (TA), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) during maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and during a sensory organization test (SOT) every 30 min over a 4 h simulated workload while wearing ST, TB, and LT footwear. The mean MVIC and the mean and percentage MVIC during each SOT condition from each muscle was analyzed individually using a repeated measures ANOVA at an alpha level of 0.05. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for maximal exertions, but this was limited to only the time main effect. No significant differences existed for EMG measures during the SOT. Conclusion: The findings suggest that occupational footwear type does not influence lower extremity muscle activity during both MVIC and SOT. Significantly lower muscle activity during maximal exertions over the course of the 4 h workload was evident, which can be attributed to localized muscular fatigue, but this was not sufficient to impact muscle activity during postural stability tasks.

Muscle coordination in cycling: effect of surface incline and posture

1998 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 927-934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Li ◽  
Graham E. Caldwell
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Gluteus Maximus ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Muscle Coordination

The purpose of the present study was to examine the neuromuscular modifications of cyclists to changes in grade and posture. Eight subjects were tested on a computerized ergometer under three conditions with the same work rate (250 W): pedaling on the level while seated, 8% uphill while seated, and 8% uphill while standing (ST). High-speed video was taken in conjunction with surface electromyography (EMG) of six lower extremity muscles. Results showed that rectus femoris, gluteus maximus (GM), and tibialis anterior had greater EMG magnitude in the ST condition. GM, rectus femoris, and the vastus lateralis demonstrated activity over a greater portion of the crank cycle in the ST condition. The muscle activities of gastrocnemius and biceps femoris did not exhibit profound differences among conditions. Overall, the change of cycling grade alone from 0 to 8% did not induce a significant change in neuromuscular coordination. However, the postural change from seated to ST pedaling at 8% uphill grade was accompanied by increased and/or prolonged muscle activity of hip and knee extensors. The observed EMG activity patterns were discussed with respect to lower extremity joint moments. Monoarticular extensor muscles (GM, vastus lateralis) demonstrated greater modifications in activity patterns with the change in posture compared with their biarticular counterparts. Furthermore, muscle coordination among antagonist pairs of mono- and biarticular muscles was altered in the ST condition; this finding provides support for the notion that muscles within these antagonist pairs have different functions.

scholarly journals Effects of Short-Term Training With Uncoupled Cranks in Trained Cyclists

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack M. Burns ◽  
Jeremiah J. Peiffer ◽  
Chris R. Abbiss ◽  
Greig Watson ◽  
Angus Burnett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Muscle Recruitment ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Gross Efficiency ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns

Purpose:Manufacturers of uncoupled cycling cranks claim that their use will increase economy of motion and gross efficiency. Purportedly, this occurs by altering the muscle-recruitment patterns contributing to the resistive forces occurring during the recovery phase of the pedal stroke. Uncoupled cranks use an independent-clutch design by which each leg cycles independently of the other (ie, the cranks are not fixed together). However, research examining the efficacy of training with uncoupled cranks is equivocal. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of short-term training with uncoupled cranks on the performance-related variables economy of motion, gross efficiency, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and muscle-activation patterns.Methods:Sixteen trained cyclists were matched-paired into either an uncoupled-crank or a normal-crank training group. Both groups performed 5 wk of training on their assigned cranks. Before and after training, participants completed a graded exercise test using normal cranks. Expired gases were collected to determine economy of motion, gross efficiency, and VO2max, while integrated electromyography (iEMG) was used to examine muscle-activation patterns of the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemius.Results:No significant changes between groups were observed for economy of motion, gross efficiency, VO2max, or iEMG in the uncoupled- or normal-crank group.Conclusions:Five weeks of training with uncoupled cycling cranks had no effect on economy of motion, gross efficiency, muscle recruitment, or VO2max compared with training on normal cranks.

scholarly journals Lower extremity muscle activation during horizontal and uphill running

1997 ◽  
Vol 83 (6) ◽  
pp. 2073-2079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Sloniger ◽  
Kirk J. Cureton ◽  
Barry M. Prior ◽  
Ellen M. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Peak Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Lower Extremity Muscle ◽  
Or Groups ◽  
Exercise Induced ◽  
The Right

Sloniger, Mark A., Kirk J. Cureton, Barry M. Prior, and Ellen M. Evans. Lower extremity muscle activation during horizontal and uphill running. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(6): 2073–2079, 1997.—To provide more comprehensive information on the extent and pattern of muscle activation during running, we determined lower extremity muscle activation by using exercise-induced contrast shifts in magnetic resonance (MR) images during horizontal and uphill high-intensity (115% of peak oxygen uptake) running to exhaustion (2.0–3.9 min) in 12 young women. The mean percentage of muscle volume activated in the right lower extremity was significantly ( P <0.05) greater during uphill (73 ± 7%) than during horizontal (67 ± 8%) running. The percentage of 13 individual muscles or groups activated varied from 41 to 90% during horizontal running and from 44 to 83% during uphill running. During horizontal running, the muscles or groups most activated were the adductors (90 ± 5%), semitendinosus (86 ± 13%), gracilis (76 ± 20%), biceps femoris (76 ± 12%), and semimembranosus (75 ± 12%). During uphill running, the muscles most activated were the adductors (83 ± 8%), biceps femoris (79 ± 7%), gluteal group (79 ± 11%), gastrocnemius (76 ± 15%), and vastus group (75 ± 13%). Compared with horizontal running, uphill running required considerably greater activation of the vastus group (23%) and soleus (14%) and less activation of the rectus femoris (29%), gracilis (18%), and semitendinosus (17%). We conclude that during high-intensity horizontal and uphill running to exhaustion, lasting 2–3 min, muscles of the lower extremity are not maximally activated, suggesting there is a limit to the extent to which additional muscle mass recruitment can be utilized to meet the demand for force and energy. Greater total muscle activation during exhaustive uphill than during horizontal running is achieved through an altered pattern of muscle activation that involves increased use of some muscles and less use of others.

scholarly journals The Effect of External Weight Distribution on Muscle Activation Pattern during Obstacle Negotiation for Male Participants

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-41
Author(s):  
Guofu Yi ◽  
Xinting Wang ◽  
Junxia Zhang ◽  
Shuai Hao ◽  
Boyi Hu
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Load Distribution ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
External Loading ◽  
Activation Pattern ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Muscle Activation Pattern ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Lower Extremity Muscle

Effects of different age groups and different external loading distribution on lower extremity muscle activation during obstacle crossing tasks were tested in this study. Four young participants and five healthy senior participants performed different walking tasks at their own speed carrying multiple different weights while their lower extremity muscle activation patterns were recorded and compared. Older adults showed significantly increased muscle activation patterns in obstacle negotiation. Furthermore, participants showed altered lower extremity muscle activation patterns with different load distribution.

scholarly journals Passive stretching decreases muscle efficiency in balance tasks

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0256656
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Coratella ◽  
Stefano Longo ◽  
Susanna Rampichini ◽  
Christian Doria ◽  
Marta Borrelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Static Stretching ◽  
Balance Tests ◽  
Flexion Extension

The current study aimed to verify whether or not passive static stretching affects balance control capacity. Thirty-eight participants (19 women and 19 men) underwent a passive static stretching session, involving the knee extensor/flexor and dorsi/plantarflexor muscles, and a control session (no stretching, CTRL). Before (PRE), immediately after (POST), after 15 (POST15) and 30 min (POST30) from stretching (or rest in CTRL), balance control was evaluated under static and dynamic conditions, with open/closed eyes, and with/without somatosensory perturbation (foam under the feet). During tests, centre of pressure (CoP) sway area and perimeter and antero-posterior and medio-lateral sway mean speed were computed. Surface electromyography root mean square (sEMG RMS) was calculated from the vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, and tibialis anterior muscles during MVC and during the balance tests. Hip flexion/extension and dorsi/plantarflexion range of motion (ROM), maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and sEMG RMS during MVC were measured at the same time points. After stretching, ROM increased (≈6.5%; P<0.05), while MVC and sEMG RMS decreased (≈9% and ≈7.5%, respectively; P<0.05). Regardless of the testing condition, CoP sway area and the perimeter remained similar, while antero-posterior and medio-lateral sway mean speed decreased by ≈8% and ≈12%, respectively (P<0.05). sEMG RMS during the balance tests increased in all muscles in POST (≈7%, P<0.05). All variables recovered in POST30. No changes occurred in CTRL. Passive static stretching did not affect the overall balance control ability. However, greater muscle activation was required to maintain similar CoP sway, thus suggesting a decrease in muscle efficiency.

scholarly journals Effects of Shoe Midsole Hardness on Lower Extremity Biomechanics during Jump Rope in Healthy Males

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1394
Author(s):  
Hai-Bin Yu ◽  
Wei-Hsun Tai ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Rui Zhang ◽  
Wei-Ya Hao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Camera Motion ◽  
Vertical Stiffness ◽  
Lower Extremity Muscle ◽  
Analysis System ◽  
Muscle Activations ◽  
Jump Rope

This study investigated differences in lower extremity muscle activations and vertical stiffness during a 2.2 Hz jump rope exercise with different midsole hardnesses (45, 50, 55, and 60 Shores C). Twelve healthy male participants wore customized shoes with different hardness midsoles and performed jump rope exercises in a random order. A nine-camera motion analysis system (150 Hz), a force platform (1500 Hz), and a wireless electromyography (EMG) system (Noraxon, 1500 Hz) were used to measure the biomechanical parameters during the jump rope exercise. The biceps femoris %MVC of barefoot participants was significantly greater than that of those wearing the 45 Shores C (p = 0.048) and 55 Shores C (p = 0.009) midsole 100 ms before landing. The vastus medialis %MVC of barefoot participants was significantly greater than that of those wearing the 55 C midsole (p = 0.005). Nonsignificant differences in vertical stiffness were found between midsole hardnesses and barefoot. Lower extremity muscle activation differed between conditions. The results of this study indicate that for repetitive activities that entail multiple impacts, sports shoes with a low midsole hardness (e.g., 50 Shores C or 45 Shores C) may be appropriate. It is important to provide customers with information regarding midsole hardness in shoe product labeling so that they properly consider the function of the shoes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document