Lower Limb EMG Activity during Selected Stepping Exercises

1998 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilbert M. Willett ◽  
Gregory M. Karst ◽  
Ellen M. Canney ◽  
Derrick Gallant ◽  
Jodene M. Wees
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Muscle Strengthening ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Amplitude Data ◽  
Knee Muscle ◽  
The Right

The purpose of this study was to investigate the electromyographic (EMG) activity of selected lower limb muscles during forward- and backward-facing stair-stepping exercises using a hydraulic step ergometer and during step aerobics using a standard 8 in. high step. Surface electrodes recorded EMG data from the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles on the right lower limbs of 13 healthy subjects under each of the four exercise conditions. Normalized mean EMG amplitude data were used to test for activity-dependent differences. Results indicated that (a) the VL and VMO were significantly (p < .05) more active during step ergometry than during step aerobics, (b) the BF was significantly (p < .05) more active during step aerobics than during step ergometry, and (c) when forward- versus backward-facing positions were compared, there were no statistically significant differences in mean EMG activity for either of the activities. These findings provide information relevant to the use and progression of stepping exercises commonly used for knee muscle strengthening and knee injury rehabilitation programs.

scholarly journals Comparison of Muscle Activity During 200 m Indoor Curve and Straight Sprinting in Elite Female Sprinters

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 309-316
Author(s):  
Przemysław Pietraszewski ◽  
Artur Gołaś ◽  
Michał Krzysztofik
Keyword(s):  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Gluteus Maximus ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Gastrocnemius Medialis ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Subject Design ◽  
Leg Muscle ◽  
The Right

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess whether peak surface electromyography (sEMG) amplitude of selected lower limb muscles differed during a) curve and straight sprinting, b) sprinting in inside and outside lanes between lower limbs. Eleven well-trained female sprinters (personal best: 24.1 ± 1.1 s) were included in a randomized within-subject design study, in which participants underwent two experimental conditions: all-out 200 m indoor sprints in the innermost and outermost lane. Peak sEMG amplitude was recorded bilaterally from gastrocnemius medialis, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, tibialis anterior, and vastus lateralis muscles. Left gastrocnemius medialis peak sEMG amplitude was significantly higher than for the right leg muscle during curve (p = 0.011) and straight sprinting (p < 0.001) when sprinting in the inside lane, and also significantly higher when sprinting in the inside vs. outside lane for both curve and straight sprinting (p = 0.037 and p = 0.027, respectively). Moreover, left biceps femoris peak sEMG amplitude was significantly higher during straight sprinting in the inside vs. outside lane (p = 0.006). Furthermore, right and left vastus lateralis peak sEMG amplitude was significantly higher during curve sprinting in the inside lane (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively) and for the left leg muscle peak sEMG amplitude was significantly higher during curve compared to straight sprinting in the outside lane (p = 0.024). Results indicate that curve sprinting creates greater demands mainly for the gastrocnemius medialis of the inner than the outer leg, but the degree of these requirements seems to depend on the radius of the curve, thus significant changes were noted during sprinting in the inside lane, but not in the outside lane.

scholarly journals Asymmetry and changes in the neuromuscular profile of short-track athletes as a result of strength training

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261265
Author(s):  
Paweł Pakosz ◽  
Anna Lukanova-Jakubowska ◽  
Edyta Łuszczki ◽  
Mariusz Gnoiński ◽  
Oscar García-García
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Limb Muscles ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Monthly Period ◽  
Track Athletes ◽  
The Right

Background The purpose of this study was to identify the biomedical signals of short-track athletes by evaluating the effects of monthly strength training on changes in their neuromuscular profile, strength, and power parameters of the lower limb muscles. Muscle asymmetry, which can cause a risk of injury, was also evaluated. Methods and results This study involved female athletes, age 18.8 ± 2.7 years, with a height of 162 ± 2.4 cm, and weight of 55.9 ± 3.9 kg. Before and after the monthly preparatory period prior to the season, strength measurements were assessed through the Swift SpeedMat platform, and reactivity of the lower limb muscles was assessed with tensiomyography (TMG). The athletes were also tested before and after the recovery training period. In the test after strength training, all average countermovement jump (CMJ) results improved. Flight time showed an increase with a moderate to large effect, using both legs (5.21%). Among the TMG parameters, time contraction (Tc) changed globally with a decrease (-5.20%). Changes in the results of the test after recovery training were most often not significant. Conclusion A monthly period of strength training changes the neuromuscular profile of short-track female athletes, with no significant differences between the right and left lower limbs.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Lower Limb Muscle Electromyographic Activity during 400 m Indoor Sprinting among Elite Female Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13177
Author(s):  
Przemysław Pietraszewski ◽  
Artur Gołaś ◽  
Michał Krzysztofik ◽  
Marta Śrutwa ◽  
Adam Zając
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Gluteus Maximus ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gastrocnemius Medialis ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Semg Signals

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyze changes in normalized surface electromyography (sEMG) signals for the gastrocnemius medialis, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, tibialis anterior, and vastus lateralis muscles occurring during a 400 m indoor sprint between subsequent curved sections of the track. Ten well-trained female sprinters (age: 21 ± 4 years; body mass: 47 ± 5 kg; body height: 161 ± 7 cm; 400 m personal best: 52.4 ± 1.1 s) performed an all-out 400 m indoor sprint. Normalized sEMG signals were recorded bilaterally from the selected lower limb muscles. The two-way ANOVA (curve × side) revealed no statistically significant interaction. However, the main effect analysis showed that normalized sEMG signals significantly increased in subsequent curves run for all the studied muscles: gastrocnemius medialis (p = 0.003), biceps femoris (p < 0.0001), gluteus maximus (p = 0.044), tibialis anterior (p = 0.001), and vastus lateralis (p = 0.023), but differences between limbs were significant only for the gastrocnemius medialis (p = 0.012). The results suggest that the normalized sEMG signals for the lower limb muscles increased in successive curves during the 400 m indoor sprint. Moreover, the gastrocnemius medialis of the inner leg is highly activated while running curves; therefore, it should be properly prepared for high demands, and attention should be paid to the possibility of the occurrence of a negative adaptation, such as asymmetries.

scholarly journals Timing and Modulation of Activity in the Lower Limb Muscles During Indoor Rowing: What Are the Key Muscles to Target in FES-Rowing Protocols?

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1666
Author(s):  
Taian M. Vieira ◽  
Giacinto Luigi Cerone ◽  
Costanza Stocchi ◽  
Morgana Lalli ◽  
Brian Andrews ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Tibialis Anterior ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Sample Surface ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Limb Muscles ◽  
Stimulation Of

The transcutaneous stimulation of lower limb muscles during indoor rowing (FES Rowing) has led to a new sport and recreation and significantly increased health benefits in paraplegia. Stimulation is often delivered to quadriceps and hamstrings; this muscle selection seems based on intuition and not biomechanics and is likely suboptimal. Here, we sample surface EMGs from 20 elite rowers to assess which, when, and how muscles are activated during indoor rowing. From EMG amplitude we specifically quantified the onset of activation and silencing, the duration of activity and how similarly soleus, gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and medialis, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris muscles were activated between limbs. Current results revealed that the eight muscles tested were recruited during rowing, at different instants and for different durations. Rectus and biceps femoris were respectively active for the longest and briefest periods. Tibialis anterior was the only muscle recruited within the recovery phase. No side differences in the timing of muscle activity were observed. Regression analysis further revealed similar, bilateral modulation of activity. The relevance of these results in determining which muscles to target during FES Rowing is discussed. Here, we suggest a new strategy based on the stimulation of vasti and soleus during drive and of tibialis anterior during recovery.

Lunges activate the gluteus maximus muscles more than back squats when both exercises are standardized

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Ramalho Aniceto ◽  
André Luiz Torres Pirauá ◽  
Leonardo da Silva Leandro ◽  
Hélen Cristina Ferreira da Silva ◽  
Diego Mesquita Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Gluteus Maximus ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Flexor Muscle ◽  
Back Squat ◽  
Trunk Inclination

BACKGROUND: Squats are considered one of the main exercises for the lower limbs and are used in resistance training under different contexts, including rehabilitation and sports performance. OBJECTIVE: To compare the EMG activity of different muscles in back squat and lunge exercises in trained women. METHODS: Ten healthy women experienced in resistance training performed back squat and lunge exercises on a Smith machine (total work: 70% of 1RM, 1 set, 10 repetitions and 2-s/2-s of execution speed) with an interval of 20-min between exercises. Both exercises were standardized in relation to the trunk inclination and were performed with an erect trunk parallel to the cursor of the guided bar. RESULTS: The EMG activity of the vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and gluteus maximus (GM) were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the EMG activity of the VM, VL, and BF muscles between the back squat and lunge exercises (P> 0.05); however, GM activation was greater during the lunge exercise (effect size = 1.15; P= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lunges were more effective in recruiting the GM when compared to back squats. However, both exercises can be recommended when the goal is knee extensor and flexor muscle activity.

scholarly journals Modificación de patrones cinemáticos y electromiográficos en extremidad inferior por el uso de celular (Modification of kinematic and electromyographic patterns in the lower limb by the use of cell phones)

Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 354-358
Author(s):  
Oscar David Valencia Cayupán ◽  
María José Hudson ◽  
Felipe Carpes ◽  
Marcos Kunzler ◽  
Fernanda Gándara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Cell Phone ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Biomechanical Model ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Protective Strategy ◽  
Hip Flexion

Las lesiones de transeúntes relacionadas al uso de teléfono celular han aumentado en relación con el total de accidentes peatonales. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar variables cinemáticas y electromiográficas de ambas extremidades inferiores al enfrentar un obstáculo, con (CC) y sin (SC) el uso de celular. Diez mujeres jóvenes fueron evaluadas, las cuales caminaron y enfrentaron un obstáculo CC y SC. Con un modelo biomecánico 3D se evaluó la cinemática de extremidad inferior (plano sagital de cadera, rodilla, tobillo, junto al “toe clearance”). Al mismo tiempo se registró la actividad electromiográfica (EMG) de los siguientes músculos: tibial anterior (TA), gastrocnemio medial (GM), recto anterior (RA) y bíceps femoral (BF). Se calculó la amplitud EMG promedio de cada músculo, y el porcentaje de coactivación muscular entre: TA-GM y RA-BF. Se analizó la estrategia de ambas piernas, considerando un primer (P1) y segundo paso (P2) al cruzar el obstáculo, comparando entre una marcha CC vs CS. Según los resultados, la marcha CC incrementa el toe clearance, flexión de cadera, y la amplitud del GM, observado tanto en P1 como P2 al cruzar el obstáculo. Adicionalmente, el P2 reveló un incremento en la flexión de rodilla y tobillo. Por otro lado, la amplitud del TA y coactivación muscular entre TA-GM también aumentó CC en el P2. En conclusión, las variables cinemáticas y electromiográficas en las extremidades inferiores se modifican al cruzar un obstáculo CC. Estos hallazgos podrían indicar una estrategia protectora durante la tarea dual evaluada, minimizar el riesgo de caída. Abstract. Pedestrian injuries related to the use of cell phone have increased in relation to the total number of pedestrian accidents. The aim of this study was to compare kinematic and electromyographic variables in both lower limbs at facing an obstacle, with (WC) and without (WoC) the use of a cell phone. Ten young women were evaluated, while walking and facing an obstacle WC and WoC. A 3D biomechanical model was used to evaluate the lower limb kinematics (hip, knee, ankle in the sagittal plane, together with “toe clearance”). At the same time, the electromyographic (EMG) activity was registered in the following muscles: tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GM), rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF). The mean EMG amplitude of each muscle and the muscular coactivation percentage between: TA-GM and RA-BF were calculated. The strategy for both lower limbs considering the first (P1) and the second step (P2) were analyzed when crossing the obstacle, comparing between gait WC vs WoC. According to results, the gait WC increase the toe clearance, hip flexion, and the GM amplitude, observed both in P1 as P2 when the person crossed the obstacle. Furthermore, the P2 revealed an increase in the knee and ankle flexion. On the other hand, the TA amplitude and the muscular coactivation between TA-GM also increased WC in the P2. In conclusion, the kinematic and electromyographic variables in the lower limbs are modified when crossing an obstacle WC. These findings could indicate a protective strategy during the dual-task evaluated, minimizing the risk of falling.

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 Electromyographic Assessment of the Lower Leg Muscles during Concentric and Eccentric Phases of Standing Heel Raise

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 465
Author(s):  
Ukadike C. Ugbolue ◽  
Emma L. Yates ◽  
Kerensa Ferguson ◽  
Scott C. Wearing ◽  
Yaodong Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
Muscle Action ◽  
Gastrocnemius Medialis ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Limb Muscles

Only a small number of muscle activation patterns from lower limbs have been reported and simultaneous muscle activation from several lower limb muscles have not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine any gender differences in surface electromyography (EMG) activity from six recorded lower limb muscles of the dominant limb at baseline (i.e., with the foot placed flat on the floor and in the neutral position), and during concentric and eccentric phases when performing a heel raise task. In total, 10 females and 10 males performed a standing heel raise task comprising of three continuous phases: baseline, unloading (concentric muscle action), and loading (eccentric muscle action) phases. Muscle activation from six muscles (gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, soleus, tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and peroneus brevis) were measured using the Myon 320 EMG System. Root mean squared values of each muscle were calculated for each phase. Descriptive and inferential statistics were incorporated into the study. Statistically significant p values were set at 0.05. The results showed no significant differences between baseline, concentric, and eccentric phases with respect to each of the muscles investigated. Except for the gastrocnemius medialis at baseline and concentric phases, no significant differences were observed between genders or contractions. The data suggests that gender does not significantly influence the eccentric phase during the standing heel raise task.

scholarly journals Co-contraction training: myoelectric activity and recruitment strategies in an unorthodox resistance training technique.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilson Ribeiro dos Santos Silva ◽  
Matheus Pacheco ◽  
Rafael Akira Fujita ◽  
Marina Mello Villalba ◽  
MATHEUS MACHADO GOMES
Keyword(s):  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Biceps Femoris ◽  
Voluntary Contraction ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Myoelectric Activity ◽  
Muscle Recruitment ◽  
Recruitment Pattern ◽  
Recruitment Patterns

Objective To elucidate the muscle recruitment patterns and interindividual variability during co-contraction training sessions for lower limbs. Methods Ten active male young adults underwent two days of tests, in which they performed, for each leg, a maximal isometric voluntary contraction protocol followed by a co-contraction training set. We acquired myoelectric (EMG) activity from the sartorius, biceps femoris long and short heads, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and vastus medialis and tensor facia latae during both protocols. We used iterative HLM analyses and bootstrap ANOVAs to explain within and between participant variances. Results On average, participants started recruiting 36% of their maximum EMG amplitude, showing decays of 0.41% per repetition and increasing 7.45% from day 1 to day 2. Participants who started with higher recruitment showed greater decays over repetitions and vice-versa. The training stimulated similarly the ratio of participants’ flexors and extensors. However, participants demonstrated different average muscle recruitment patterns with some individuals modifying, largely, their recruitment over repetitions/days. Between and within-variability in recruitment pattern was maintained throughout repetitions and days. We found no consistent similarity in terms of pairs of participants as to find common types of recruitment. Conclusion Co-contraction training seems to be effective to recruit thigh muscles of both legs along an entire set of repetitions and days. Despite the accounted variations in intramuscular recruitment, co-contraction training evokes similar muscular in flexor’s and extensor’s recruitment among participants.

scholarly journals Unilateral and Bilateral Strength Asymmetry among Young Elite Athletes of Various Sports

Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (12) ◽  
pp. 683
Author(s):  
Maros Kalata ◽  
Tomas Maly ◽  
Mikulas Hank ◽  
Jakub Michalek ◽  
David Bujnovsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Young Athletes ◽  
Lower Limb Muscles ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Strength Asymmetry ◽  
Main Factor ◽  
Objective Type

Background and objective: Type of physical activity may influence morphological and muscular asymmetries in the young population. However, less is known about the size of this effect when comparing various sports. The aim of this study was to identify the degree of bilateral asymmetry (BA) and the level of unilateral ratio (UR) between isokinetic strength of knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) among athletes of three different types of predominant locomotion in various sports (symmetric, asymmetric and hybrid). Material and methods: The analyzed group consisted of young elite athletes (n = 50). The maximum peak muscle torque of the KE and KF in both the dominant (DL) and non-dominant (NL) lower limb during concentric muscle contraction at an angular velocity of 60°·s−1 was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: Data analysis showed a significant effect of the main factor (the type of sport) on the level of monitored variables (p = 0.004). The type of sport revealed a significant difference in the bilateral ratio (p = 0.01). The group of symmetric and hybrid sports achieved lower values (p = 0.01) of BA in their lower limb muscles than those who played asymmetric sports. The hybrid sports group achieved higher UR values (p = 0.01) in both lower limbs. Conclusions: The results indicate that sports with predominantly symmetrical, asymmetrical, and hybrid types of locomotion affected the size of the BA, as well as the UR between KE and KF in both legs in young athletes. We recommend paying attention to regular KE and KF strength diagnostics in young athletes and optimizing individual compensatory exercises if a higher ratio of strength asymmetry is discovered.

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