scholarly journals The influence of changes in trunk and pelvic posture during single leg standing on hip and thigh muscle activation in a pain free population

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Prior ◽  
Tim Mitchell ◽  
Rod Whiteley ◽  
Peter O’Sullivan ◽  
Benjamin K Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Pelvic Posture

Hip- and Thigh-Muscle Activation During the Star Excursion Balance Test

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 428-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Norris ◽  
Elaine Trudelle-Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Neuromuscular Control ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Retest Reliability ◽  
Star Excursion Balance Test ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Context:The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is often used to train and assess dynamic balance and neuromuscular control. Few studies have examined hip- and thigh-muscle activation during the SEBT.Objective:To quantify hip- and thigh-muscle activity during the SEBT.Design:Repeated measures.Setting:Laboratory.Participants:22 healthy individuals, 11 men and 11 women.Methods:EMG measurements were taken as participants completed 3 trials of the anterior (A), medial (M), and posteromedial (PM) reach directions of the SEBT.Main Outcome Measures:Mean EMG data (% maximal voluntary isometric contraction) from the gluteus medius (Gmed), gluteus maximus (Gmax), and vastus medialis (VM) were measured during the eccentric phase of each SEBT reach direction. Test–retest reliability of EMG data across the 3 trials in each direction was calculated. EMG data from each muscle were compared across the 3 reach directions.Results:Test–retest reliability ranged from ICC3,1 values of .91 to .99. A 2-way repeated-measure ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between muscle activation and reach direction. One-way ANOVAs showed no difference in GMed activity between the A and M directions. GMed activity in the A and M directions was greater than in the PM direction. There was no difference in GMax and VM activity across the 3 directions.Conclusion:GMed was recruited most effectively when reaching was performed in the A and M directions. The A, M, and PM directions elicited similar patterns of muscle recruitment for the GMax and VM. During all 3 SEBT directions, VM activation exceeded the 40–60% threshold suggested for strengthening effects. GMed activity also exceeded the threshold in the M direction. GMax activation, however, was below the 40% threshold for all 3 reach directions, suggesting that performing dynamic lower extremity reaching in the A, M, and PM directions may not elicit strengthening effects for the GMax.

scholarly journals Adjustments with running speed reveal neuromuscular adaptations during landing associated with high mileage running training

2017 ◽  
Vol 122 (3) ◽  
pp. 653-665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasper Verheul ◽  
Adam C. Clansey ◽  
Mark J. Lake
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Running Speed ◽  
Running Training ◽  
Knee Stiffness ◽  
Peak Knee ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Weight Acceptance

It remains to be determined whether running training influences the amplitude of lower limb muscle activations before and during the first half of stance and whether such changes are associated with joint stiffness regulation and usage of stored energy from tendons. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate neuromuscular and movement adaptations before and during landing in response to running training across a range of speeds. Two groups of high mileage (HM; >45 km/wk, n = 13) and low mileage (LM; <15 km/wk, n = 13) runners ran at four speeds (2.5–5.5 m/s) while lower limb mechanics and electromyography of the thigh muscles were collected. There were few differences in prelanding activation levels, but HM runners displayed lower activations of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and semitendinosus muscles postlanding, and these differences increased with running speed. HM runners also demonstrated higher initial knee stiffness during the impact phase compared with LM runners, which was associated with an earlier peak knee flexion velocity, and both were relatively unchanged by running speed. In contrast, LM runners had higher knee stiffness during the slightly later weight acceptance phase and the disparity was amplified with increases in speed. It was concluded that initial knee joint stiffness might predominantly be governed by tendon stiffness rather than muscular activations before landing. Estimated elastic work about the ankle was found to be higher in the HM runners, which might play a role in reducing weight acceptance phase muscle activation levels and improve muscle activation efficiency with running training. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although neuromuscular factors play a key role during running, the influence of high mileage training on neuromuscular function has been poorly studied, especially in relation to running speed. This study is the first to demonstrate changes in neuromuscular conditioning with high mileage training, mainly characterized by lower thigh muscle activation after touch down, higher initial knee stiffness, and greater estimates of energy return, with adaptations being increasingly evident at faster running speeds.

Effect of Fatigue on Single-Leg Hop Landing Biomechanics

2006 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 245-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl F. Orishimo ◽  
Ian J. Kremenic
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Fatigue ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Plantar Flexion ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Compensatory Mechanisms ◽  
Knee Motion ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Knee Pathology

The objective of this study was to measure adaptations in landing strategy during single-leg hops following thigh muscle fatigue. Kinetic, kinematic, and electromyographic data were recorded as thirteen healthy male subjects performed a single-leg hop in both the unfatigued and fatigued states. To sufficiently fatigue the thigh muscles, subjects performed at least two sets of 50 step-ups. Fatigue was assessed by measuring horizontal hopping ability following the protocol. Joint motion and loading, as well as muscle activation patterns, were compared between fatigued and unfatigued conditions. Fatigue significantly increased knee motion (p = 0.012) and shifted the ankle into a more dorsiflexed position (p = 0.029). Hip flexion was also reduced following fatigue (p = 0.042). Peak extension moment tended to decrease at the knee and increase at the ankle and hip (p = 0.014). Ankle plantar flexion moment at the time of peak total support moment increased from 0.8 (N⋅m)/kg (SD, 0.6 [N⋅m]/kg) to 1.5 (N⋅m)/kg (SD, 0.8 [N⋅m]/kg) (p = 0.006). Decreased knee moment and increased knee flexion during landings following fatigue indicated that the control of knee motion was compromised despite increased activation of the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and rectus femoris (p = 0.014, p = 0.014, and p = 0.017, respectively). Performance at the ankle increased to compensate for weakness in the knee musculature and to maintain lower extremity stability during landing. Investigating the biomechanical adaptations that occur in healthy subjects as a result of muscle fatigue may give insight into the compensatory mechanisms and loading patterns occurring in patients with knee pathology. Changes in single-leg hop landing performance could be used to demonstrate functional improvement in patients due to training or physical therapy.

scholarly journals Is active sitting on a dynamic office chair controlled by the trunk muscles?

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0242854
Author(s):  
Roman Peter Kuster ◽  
Christoph Michael Bauer ◽  
Daniel Baumgartner
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Muscular Activity ◽  
Trunk Muscles ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Back Muscles ◽  
Temporal Muscle ◽  
Office Chair

Today’s office chairs are not known to promote active sitting or to activate the lumbar trunk muscles, both of which functions are ergonomically recommended. This study investigated a newly developed dynamic office chair with a moveable seat, specifically designed to promote trunk muscle controlled active sitting. The study aimed to determine the means by which the seat movement was controlled during active sitting. This was accomplished by quantifying trunk and thigh muscular activity and body kinematics. Additionally, the effect of increased spinal motion on muscular activity and body kinematics was analysed. Ten subjects were equipped with reflective body markers and surface electromyography on three lumbar back muscles (multifidus, iliocostalis, longissimus) and two thigh muscles (vastus lateralis and medialis). Subjects performed a reading task during static and active sitting in spontaneous and maximum ranges of motion in a simulated office laboratory setting. The temporal muscle activation pattern, average muscle activity and body segment kinematics were analysed and compared using Friedman and post-hoc Wilcoxon tests (p≤0.05). Active sitting on the new chair significantly affected the lumbar trunk muscles, with characteristic cyclic unloading/loading in response to the seat movement. Neither thigh muscle activity nor lateral body weight shift were substantially affected by active sitting. When participants increased their range of motion, the lumbar back muscles were activated for longer and relaxation times were shorter. The characteristic activity pattern of the lumbar trunk muscles was shown to be the most likely dominant factor in controlling seat movement during active sitting. Consequently, the new chair may have a potential positive impact on back health during prolonged sitting. Further studies are necessary to analyse the frequency and intensity of active sitting during daily office work.

scholarly journals The effects of performing squats on an inclined board on thigh muscle activation

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minkwon Cho ◽  
Ju-Yeun Kang ◽  
Ji-Hoon Oh ◽  
Jun-Gu Wu ◽  
Eun-Byul Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Thigh Muscle

scholarly journals Differences of Thigh Muscle Activation During Various Squat Exercise on Stable and Unstable Surfaces

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-395
Author(s):  
Soojin Kim ◽  
Joo-Hyun Lee ◽  
Jihye Heo ◽  
Eunwook Chang
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Quadriceps Muscle ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Unstable Surface ◽  
Co Activation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare thigh muscle activities and muscle co-activation when performing squats, wall squats, and Spanish squats on stable and unstable ground.METHODS: Twenty-two healthy male subjects (age: 22.50±2.70 years, height: 178.72±6.04 cm, mass: 76.50±6.80 kg, body mass index: 24.00±2.10 kg/m2, and Godin activity questionnaire: 56.30±24.10) voluntarily participated in the study. All of the participants performed three different squat exercises on the floor and the BOSU ball with an electromyograph attached to each participant’s quadriceps (rectus femoris, RF; vastus lateralis, VL; and vastus medialis, VM) and hamstrings (biceps femoris, BF; semitendinosus, ST; and semimembranosus, SM). Repeated measures of analysis of variance were utilized to compare muscle activity during the three squats exercises by floor type.RESULTS: RF (p<.001, η2=.689), VL (p<.001, η2=.622), and VM (p=.002, η2=.375) showed significant differences between exercises. Spanish squats yielded greater BF activity than did wall squats (p=.018, η2=.269). ST yielded greater muscle activity with the BOSU ball than on the floor (p=.018, η2=.269). Finally, there was a significant ground exercise interaction effect on the co-activation, showing greater muscle co-activation with Spanish squats on the BOSU ball compared to squats, squats on the BOSU ball, and wall squat on the BOSU ball.CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that Spanish squats could be an effective exercise option for the facilitation of RF, VL, VM, and BF muscle activation. In particular, performing Spanish squats on an unstable surface could be useful for patients who need to improve their quadriceps muscle activation.

scholarly journals Training Benefits and Injury Risks of Standing Yoga Applied in Musculoskeletal Problems: Lower Limb Biomechanical Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8402
Author(s):  
Ai-Min Liu ◽  
I-Hua Chu ◽  
Hwai-Ting Lin ◽  
Jing-Min Liang ◽  
Hsiu-Tao Hsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Intervention ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Joint Reaction Forces ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems

Standing yoga poses strengthen a person’s legs and helps to achieve the goal of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, but inadequate exercise planning can cause injuries. This study investigated changes in the electromyogram and joint moments of force (JMOFs) of lower extremities during common standing yoga poses in order to explore the feasibility and possible injury risk in dealing with musculoskeletal problems. Eleven yoga instructors were recruited to execute five yoga poses (Chair, Tree, Warrior 1, 2, and 3). The results revealed significant differences in hip, knee, and ankle JMOFs and varying degrees of muscle activation among the poses. Among these poses, rectus femoris muscle activation during the Chair pose was the highest, Warrior 2 produced the highest muscle activation in the vastus lateralis of the front limb, while Warrior 1 had the highest muscle activation in the vastus medialis of the back limb. Therefore, all three poses can possibly be suggested as a therapeutic intervention for quadriceps strengthening. Warrior 1 was possibly suggested as a therapeutic intervention in order to reduce excessive lateral overload of the patella, but the possible adverse effects of Warrior 2 with the highest knee adductor JMOF in the back limb could raise joint reaction forces across the medial condyles. In single-leg balance postures, Warrior 3 had unique training effects on the hamstring, and is therefore suggested as a part of hamstring rehabilitation exercises. The Tree pose induced low lower-extremity JMOFs and a low level of thigh muscle activations when it was performed by senior instructors with excellent balance control; however, for yoga beginners with insufficient stability, it will be a useful training mode for strengthening the muscles that help to keep one upright. This study quantified the physical demands of yoga poses using biomechanical data and elucidated the structures and principles underlying each yoga movement. This is crucial for yoga practitioners.

scholarly journals Muscle Activation and Kinematic Analysis during the Inclined Leg Press Exercise in Young Females

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8698
Author(s):  
Isabel Martín-Fuentes ◽  
José M. Oliva-Lozano ◽  
José M. Muyor
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Maximum Velocity ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Vastus Medialis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Leg Press

Knee joint muscle activation imbalances, especially weakness in the vastus medialis oblique, are related to patellofemoral pain within the female population. The available literature presents the leg press as an exercise which potentially targets vastus medialis oblique activation, thus reducing imbalances in the quadriceps muscles. The main aim of the present study was to compare thigh muscle activation and kinematic parameters under different conditions during the inclined leg press exercise in a young female population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 10 young, trained females. Muscle activation of the vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and gluteus medialis was analyzed under five different inclined leg press conditions, modifying the feet rotation (0–45° external rotation) and the stance width (100–150% hip width) on the footplate. All the conditions were performed at two different movement velocities: controlled velocity (2″ eccentric–2″ concentric) and maximal intended velocity. Mean propulsive velocity, maximum velocity and maximum power were also assessed. The results show that both controlled velocity conditions and maximal intended velocity conditions elicited a similar muscle activation pattern with greater activation during the concentric phase (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.96). The maximal intended velocity conditions showed greater overall muscle activation (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.91). The vastus medialis oblique presented the greatest muscle activation, followed by the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and, the gluteus medialis. Furthermore, the inclined leg press condition with 0º feet rotation, 100% hip width distance and the maximal intended velocity generated the greatest kinematic parameter outputs. In conclusion, the inclined leg press exercise might be an optimal exercise to target vastus medialis activation regardless of the feet rotation and stance width conditions.

scholarly journals Comparison of thigh muscle activations in single leg exercises: bench squat, step-up, airborne lunge

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 342-348
Author(s):  
Fahri S. Çinarli ◽  
Sena Çinarli ◽  
Emin Kafkas
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Energy Costs ◽  
Co Activation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Muscle Activations ◽  
Sports Sciences

Background and Study Aim. Single leg exercises have some advantages in terms of time, practice and energy costs. However, the activation values that occur in different single leg exercises can be used for training planning. The aim of this research was to examine the thigh muscle activation values during three different single leg exercises. Materials and Methods. Ten healthy male volunteers who were students of the faculty of sports sciences participated in the study. In the study, the EMG ampilitude values of the vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), semitendinosus (SEM) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were examined during Step-up, Bench Squat and Airborne Lunge exercises. At the same time, Quadriceps (VM+VL): Hamstring (SEM+BF) ratios were determined. Results. Significant differences were detected in all thigh muscles in the ascent and descent phases (p<0.05). While the greatest activation for the quadriceps group was seen in the airborne lunge, the greatest activation for the hamstring group was detected in the bench squat. A statistically significant difference was found in terms of exercise practices in the quadriceps: hamstring (Q:H) ratio (F(2,18)=12.282, p=.003). It was seen that the most balanced exercise was bench squat (Q:H=2.55), and the most unbalanced exercise (agonist dominant) was airborne lunge (Q:H=5.51). Conclusions. The findings show that the exercises examined can be selected depending on the purpose of the training. While bench squats can be preferred for more balanced co-activation the airborne lunge can be preferred for dominant knee extensors.

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