Vastus Medialis Oblique Activity Research Articles

Myoeletric Activity of the Quadriceps During Leg Press Exercise Performed With Differing Techniques.

Machado, W, Paz, G, Mendes, L, Maia, M, Winchester, JB, Lima, V, Willardson, JM, and Miranda, H. Myoeletric activity of the quadriceps during leg press exercise performed with differing techniques. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 422-429, 2017-The quadriceps muscle supplies the motive force for dynamic knee extension. During this action, the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) co-contract to stabilize the patella as it tracks within the patellofemoral groove. The purpose of this study was to analyze surface electromyographic (SEMG) responses for the VL, VMO, rectus femoris (RF), and biceps femoris (BF), as well as the VMO:VL ratio during an open-kinetic chain 45° angled leg press (LP45). The traditional LP45 technique was compared with 2 alternative LP45 exercise techniques that used a physioball and elastic band, respectively. Thirteen female college students performed 3 protocols in random order: TRAD-1 LP45 set performed using the traditional exercise technique, PBALL-1 LP45 set performed with a physioball held between the knee joints, and PEB-1 LP45 set performed with an elastic band proximal to the knee joints. Ten repetitions at 70% of a 10 repetition maximum load were performed in each protocol, and the SEMG data were recorded for the VMO, VL, RF, and BF muscles. Significant increases in VMO activity were noted during PBALL vs. PEB (p = 0.001) and TRAD (p = 0.002). Higher VMO activity was noted during TRAD vs. PEB (p = 0.001). Greater VL activity was noted during PBALL vs. TRAD (p = 0.0001) and PEB (p = 0.0001). The PBALL condition elicited a greater VMO:VL ratio during the concentric phase vs. the PEB (p = 0.001) and TRAD (p = 0.001) protocols. Greater RF activity was observed during PEB vs. TRAD (p = 0.001) and PBALL (p = 0.001). Therefore, practitioners should consider placing a physioball between the knees during the LP45 exercise as an alternative technique when greater overall quadriceps activity is desired for clinical rehabilitation or a muscle strengthening program.

A study on muscle activity and ratio of the knee extensor depending on the types of squat exercise.

[Purpose] For preventing the patellofemoral pain syndrome, this study aims to suggest a proper squat method, which presents selective muscle activity of Vastus Medialis Oblique and muscle activity ratios of Vastus Medialis Oblique/Vastus Lateralis by applying squat that is a representative weight bearing exercise method in various ways depending on the surface conditions and knee bending angles. [Subjects and Methods] An isometric squat that was accompanied by hip adduction, depending on the surface condition and the knee joint flexion angle, was performed by 24 healthy students. The muscle activity and the ratio of muscle activity were measured. [Results] In a comparison of muscle activity depending on the knee joint flexion angle on a weight-bearing surface, the vastus medialis oblique showed a significant difference at 15° and 60°. Meanwhile, in a comparison of the muscle activity ratio between the vastus medialis oblique and the vastus lateralis depending on the knee joint flexion angle on a weight-bearing surface, significant differences were observed at 15° and 60°. [Conclusion] An efficient squat exercise posture for preventing the patellofemoral pain syndrome is to increase the knee joint bending angle on a stable surface. But it would be efficient for patients with difficulties in bending the knee joint to keep a knee joint bending angle of 15 degrees or less on an unstable surface. It is considered that in future, diverse studies on selective Vastus Medialis Oblique strengthening exercise methods would be needed after applying them to patients with the patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Quadriceps Muscle Activity During Exercise

Various forms of exercises are imparted for patients with lower extremity problems. These exercises are helpful in strengthening the muscles of the lower limb mainly those of quadriceps and hamstring. This study was intended to investigate the activity of vastusmedialis oblique and vastuslateralis during selected exercises of Static Quadriceps Exercise (SQE), Inner Range Quadriceps exercise (IRQ), Straight Leg Raise (SLR), Active Knee Extension exercise (AKE) and semisquat. About 50 healthy individuals (15 Males and 35 Females) in the age group of 18–24 years (Male= 21.2 ± 1.21, Female= 20.3 ± 0.8) were recruited for the study based on the inclusion criteria. Surface electromyographic electrodes were affixed to Vastusmedialis Oblique (VMO) and vastuslateralis (VL) muscle. Each subject was advised to perform all the five exercises, and the muscle activity during each exercise was recorded using Myotrac Infiniti, and the data were analysed with the aid of Biograph Infiniti software. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS version 22.0. The findings of the research indicated that inner range quadriceps exercise was significantly better in facilitating VMO and VL with no significant difference between the two during various exercise. It was also observed that the VMO/VL ratio was similar in all the exercise indicating equal activation of both muscles.

Quantifying knee mechanics during balance training exercises

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is common among runners and those recovering from anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Training programs designed to prevent or treat injuries often include balance training, although balance interventions have been reported to coincide with more knee injuries. Knowledge of the effect of balance exercises on knee mechanics may be useful when designing training programs. High knee abduction moment has been implicated in the development of PFP, and imbalance between vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) may contribute to patellofemoral stress. The purpose was to quantify knee abduction moment and vasti muscle activity during balance exercises. Muscle activity of VMO and VL, three-dimensional lower-extremity kinematics, and ground reaction forces of healthy recreational athletes (12M, 13F) were recorded during five exercises. Peak knee abduction moment, ratio of VMO:VL activity, and delay in onset of VMO relative to VL were quantified for each exercise. The influence of sex and exercise on each variable was determined using a mixed-model ANOVA. All analyses indicated a significant main effect of exercise, p<0.05. Follow-up comparisons showed low peak knee abduction moment and high VMO:VL ratio for the task with anterior-posterior motion. Delay of VMO relative to VL was similar among balance board tasks.

Foot exercise and taping in patients with patellofemoral pain and pronated foot

This study compared the effect of three foot conditions (untreated, short foot [SF] exercise, and Tape) on knee and ankle muscle activity during forward descending of stairs in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and a pronated foot. Surface electromyography activities in the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), and abductor hallucis(AbdH) were recorded during forward descending stairs; Surface electromyography data were expressed as percentages of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction. A total of 18 subjects (6 males and 12 females) with PFPS and a pronated foot participated in the current study. The SF exercise was associated with significantly greater AbdH muscle activity compared to the tape condition during forward descending stairs. However, there was no significant difference in VMO or VL muscle activity, or in the VMO/VL muscle activity ratio, among the three foot conditions. The SF exercise was the most effective method of increasing AbdH muscle activity during forward descending stairs in subjects with PFPS and a pronated foot.

Entrainment of vastus medialis complex activity differs between genders.

That the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) is a functional unit of the vastus medialis (VM) is disputed. Delayed VMO activation predicts patellofemoral pain, which has higher rates in women. Single MUs and surface electromyogram (EMG) were collected from the VMO and VM of 9 men and 9 women. Men were tested once; women were tested during 5 menstrual phases. Coherence was assessed for motor unit (MU) firings within and between the VM and VMO using multilevel logistic models to determine statistical significance. Compared with women, men have 741% (MU pairs) and 256% (MU-EMG pairs) greater odds of common drive (0-5 Hz) coherent oscillations. MU pairs from the VMO and the dual VM/VMO complex have 228% and 212% greater odds of coherent oscillations in the beta band (15-35 Hz) compared with VM pairs. The VM and VMO are neurologically different muscles; control of the VM complex is sexually dimorphic.

Vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis activity during a double-leg semisquat with or without hip adduction in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

BackgroundThe purpose was to investigate the effect of double-leg semisquat with hip adduction on the activation of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).MethodsThirty patients with PFPS were designated to the study group, while 30 healthy matched subjects were enrolled in the control group. The activation of VL and VMO was recorded with surface electromyography (EMG) during double-leg semisquat (DS) and double-leg semisquat with hip adduction (DS-HA). The time domain and frequency domain indexes of the electromyography data were collected for analysis.ResultsIn the study group, the time domain indexes (RMS, IEMG) and frequency domain index (MPF) of VL were significant higher than VMO in the test of DS (P < 0.05); and the time domain of VMO was significantly higher in the test of DS-HA when compared to DS (P < 0.05) while there was no difference in the activation of VL.ConclusionsIn the study group, an increase in activity of the VMO was observed through the surface EMG signal in the double-leg semisquat exercise with hip adduction compared to the exercise without hip adduction. This finding indicates that VMO activation can be more selectively obtained through the exercise with hip adduction which can help balance the VL and VMO.

Preferential vastus medialis oblique activation and its effectiveness in patellofemoral pain syndrome: A review of literature-an update

To review recent literature regarding evidences for best possible exercises and methods that are proposed for preferential vastus medialis oblique (VMO) activation and effectiveness of preferential VMO activation in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) patients. The review of recent literature supports preferential VMO activation as one of the efficient management protocols in PFPS patients. Although there is quite heterogeneity in the available research, a majority of research suggests close kinetic chain (CKC) exercises to be more beneficial also the CKC squatting exercise with full maximum voluntary isometric contraction hip adduction has been an exercise quite supported by the recent researches for preferential VMO activation. It can be augmented via other methods like taping, biofeedback, motor imagery, unstable surface to enhance the VMO activation. In accordance with the review of recent literature, preferential VMO activation also has been very well correlated with a reduction in pain, enhancement in function in PFPS patients.

Muscle Activation of Vastus Medialis Oblique and Vastus Lateralis in Sling-Based Exercises in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Cross-Over Study.

Objectives. To examine what changes are caused in the activity of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) at the time of sling-based exercises in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and compare the muscular activations in patients with PFPS among the sling-based exercises. Methods. This was a cross-over study. Sling-based open and closed kinetic knee extension and hip adduction exercises were designed for PFPS, and electromyography was applied to record maximal voluntary contraction during the exercises. The VMO and VL activations and VMO : VL ratios for the three exercises were analyzed and compared. Results. Thirty male (age = 21.19 ± 0.68 y) and 30 female (age = 21.12 ± 0.74 y) patients with PFPS were recruited. VMO activations during the sling-based open and closed kinetic knee extension exercises were significantly higher (P = 0.04 and P = 0.001) than those during hip adduction exercises and VMO : VL ratio for the sling-based closed kinetic knee extension and hip adduction exercises approximated to 1. Conclusions. The sling-based closed kinetic knee extension exercise produced the highest VMO activation. It also had an appropriate VMO : VL ratio similar to sling-based hip adduction exercise and had beneficial effects on PFPS.

Analysis of neuromuscular activation of the vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis with the use of functional taping

Muscular and anatomical changes are mostly responsible for patella femoral syndrome (PFPS). Knowing that the quadriceps muscles are very important to stabilize the patella, studies have questioned the influence of the Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) in the patellar stabilization avoiding the PFPS. Many researchers have investigated the use of taping as a means of muscle activation. Objective: The present study aimed to analyze the use of functional taping to activate the VMO during the squat exercise. Method: The activity of the VMO and Vastus Lateralis (VL) was assessed by electromyography during squats and squats with adduction using functional taping. The sample composed for 39 individuals was divided into four groups: sedentary males and athletes, and females also divided into sedentary and athletes. Results: Although it has been found greater activation of VMO in comparison with the VL, with the applied methodology and variables, we could not demonstrate a statistical difference between groups in squats with and without the use of functional taping. However, it is important to emphasize that the lack of difference in the activation of VMO during squats with adduction and tapping suggest a positive effect of the tapping in muscle activation. This result is very important in the treatment of acute injuries where active movement is limited. Conclusion: Future studies should be done with other electromyography parameters and reflex activation in order to investigate the actual role of functional taping on muscle activation.

Analysis of neuromuscular activation of the vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis with the use of functional taping

Muscular and anatomical changes are mostly responsible for patella femoral syndrome (PFPS). Knowing that the quadriceps muscles are very important to stabilize the patella, studies have questioned the influence of the Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) in the patellar stabilization avoiding the PFPS. Many researchers have investigated the use of taping as a means of muscle activation. Objective: The present study aimed to analyze the use of functional taping to activate the VMO during the squat exercise. Method: The activity of the VMO and Vastus Lateralis (VL) was assessed by electromyography during squats and squats with adduction using functional taping. The sample composed for 39 individuals was divided into four groups: sedentary males and athletes, and females also divided into sedentary and athletes. Results: Although it has been found greater activation of VMO in comparison with the VL, with the applied methodology and variables, we could not demonstrate a statistical difference between groups in squats with and without the use of functional taping. However, it is important to emphasize that the lack of difference in the activation of VMO during squats with adduction and tapping suggest a positive effect of the tapping in muscle activation. This result is very important in the treatment of acute injuries where active movement is limited. Conclusion: Future studies should be done with other electromyography parameters and reflex activation in order to investigate the actual role of functional taping on muscle activation.

Effect of Weight-bearing Therapeutic Exercise on the Q-angle and Muscle Activity Onset Times of Elite Athletes with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a weight-bearing therapeutic exercise program for elite athletes diagnosed as having patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). [Subjects] The subjects were 34 elite athletes from the Seoul T Center. They were randomly allocated to three groups: an elastic band exercise group (EBG), a sling exercise group (SEG), or a control group (CG). [Methods] Therapeutic exercises were performed 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS) hamstring length, and static and dynamic Q angles were used to test the exercise effect of the exercises, as well as the onset time of electromyographic activity of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL). [Results] Decrease of the dynamic Q-angle in EBG was significant and significantly greater than that in CG. The decrease in VAS in SEG was significant and significantly greater than that in CG. There were significant differences in the VL and VMO activity onset times in SEG between pre- and post-test, and their differences between pre- and post-test were also significantly different. [Conclusion] Weight-bearing therapeutic exercise is hoped that clinicians will use this information for better implementation of effective exercise methods for elite athletes with PFPS.

The effect of anti-pronation foot orthoses on hip and knee kinematics and muscle activity during a functional step-up task in healthy individuals: A laboratory study

BackgroundGreater frontal and transverse plane hip and knee motion, and delayed gluteus medius and vastus medialis oblique activation have frequently been identified in patellofemoral pain syndrome populations, whilst prefabricated anti-pronation foot orthoses have been reported to reduce symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of such orthoses on hip and knee kinematics, gluteal and vasti muscle activity, kinematic and electromyographic interactions alongside correlations with specific clinical measures. MethodsEighteen asymptomatic individuals (11 male 7 female) had measures taken of static foot posture and ankle range of motion. Hip muscle activity and kinematics were measured using electromyography and an active motion capture system during a step-up task. Order of testing with or without orthoses was determined using a coin toss. FindingsBetween condition paired t-tests indicated significantly reduced peak hip adduction angles (1.56°, P<0.05) and significantly reduced knee internal rotation (1.3°, P<0.05) in the orthoses condition. Reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion correlated with a reduction in hip adduction following the orthoses intervention (r=0.59, P=0.013). InterpretationThe effects of prefabricated orthoses may be partially explained by kinematic alterations that occur proximal to the foot in the kinetic chain. These clinically and biomechanically relevant effects appear more evident in those with reduced underlying ankle motion. Further research is indicated using a symptomatic population to explore the clinical relevance of these observations.

Influência de diferentes tipos de calçado na atividade eletromiográfica do músculo quadríceps de mulheres ao subir e descer degrau

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome da dor femoropatelar (SDFP) é caracterizada por dor difusa na região retropatelar, aumentada durante realização de tarefas diárias, tais como subir e descer escadas e ajoelhar. A SDFP tem maior prevalência em mulheres jovens e sua etiologia não é totalmente conhecida. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do uso de diferentes tipos de calçados na atividade dos músculos estabilizadores da patela durante as tarefas de subir e descer degrau. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo dez mulheres saudáveis e dez mulheres com SDFP. As voluntárias realizaram as tarefas de subir e descer um degrau em três situações: descalças, usando tênis e salto alto de 10 cm. Durante a realização das tarefas, foi registrada com eletrodos superficiais a atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos vasto medial oblíquo (VMO), vasto lateral (VL) e reto femoral (RF). A comparação intergrupos foi realizada com o teste t não pareado; para a análise intragrupo, utilizou-se ANOVA com medidas repetidas e post hoc Tukey, todos com um nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Os resultados demonstraram, no grupo controle, aumento da atividade do VMO nas tarefas concêntrica e excêntrica realizadas com salto alto. No entanto, no grupo SDFP, a atividade do VMO não foi influenciada em nenhuma das condições testadas. Não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas na razão VMO/VL e no tempo de ativação dos músculos. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que em mulheres assintomáticas uso do calçado de salto alto modificou a atividade de todos os músculos. Entretanto, mulheres com SDFP não apresentaram alterações no VMO.

Comparison of Muscle Activity of Vastus Medialis Oblique, Vastus Lateralis, and Gluteus Medius Following Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise

Comparison of Muscle Activity of Vastus Medialis Oblique, Vastus Lateralis, and Gluteus Medius Following Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise

Validating Efficacy of Shea Nut Oil Extract in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Objectives. To examine and investigate the efficacy of shea nut oil extract (SheaFlex75) in relation to knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. Thirty-three patients (age 63.6 ± 5.8 years) with knee OA were recruited. Real-time ultrasound imaging and surface electromyography were used to objectively assess the morphological changes and the activity of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscles during a 16-week intervention of SheaFlex75. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to examine the reliability of the interscans. A paired-sample t-test was used to compare the findings in different stages. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between the relevant variables of OA and percentage of thickness change of VMO at different contraction levels. Results. The baseline findings showed strong correlation, suggesting that the reliability of interscans at pretest was high. The ability to contract the muscles of the knee to a 30% contraction level showed significant change between the baseline and after 16-week testing, both in terms of morphological changes and muscle activity. Pain scale reported a significant decrease at the 16th week. Conclusion. The results suggest that SheaFlex75 can relieve the symptoms of knee OA and can result in improvement of muscle control of the knee.

EMG Activation of the Vastus Medialis Oblique and Vastus Lateralis During Four Rehabilitative Exercises

The purpose of this study was to compare four common rehabilitation exercises used in physical therapy clinics for activating the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL). Thirty-four subjects, aged 22-28 years, without patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) (18 females and 16 males) were recruited. Subjects performed four exercises—straight leg raise with neutral and externally rotated hip positions (SLRN, SLRER), and short arc quad with neutral and externally rotated hip positions (SAQN, SAQER). The integrated electromyographic (iEMG) activity of the VMO and VL and were recorded, with means of the VMO, VL and VMO/VL compared across exercises. No significant difference was found for the VMO/VL ratio across the four exercises (p=0.147). However, for the VMO and VL individually, a significant difference was found (p=0.0001), SAQER was significantly greater than SLRN and SLRER; SAQN was significantly greater than SLRN and SLRER. These findings suggest that exercises including short arc quad knee extensions are more effective for both the VMO and VL activation than those incorporating straight leg raises, and potentially more beneficial in the rehabilitation of patients with PFPS.

Effect of Cycling Training on Activation of Vastus Lateralis and Vastus Medialis Oblique Muscle

The neuromuscular training of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) is a common strategy for preventing patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). The neuromuscular activities of VMO and VL can induce by acute cycling exercise in the higher seat position. However, it is not known whether cycling training could improve the VMO to VL ratio for healthy people. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of neuromuscular function after cycling training. Eighteen healthy male subjects (aged: 20.7 ± 0.7 yrs) were randomly allocated into either training or control groups. Subjects in training group trained three times a week for 8 weeks. Each session lasted for 20 min on cycling. Subjects in control group did not participate in any exercise training. Electromyographic (EMG) onset time and activities of VMO and VL were collected during a stair-stepping task that was performed before and after training. Results showed that subjects in training group had significant earlier VMO and VL EMG onset time during the ascend stepping of post-test, but no significant difference in descend stepping. No significant changes in all parameters were found in control group. Furthermore, all parameters were not significantly different between two groups. Our results showed that VMO and VL activation time for healthy male subjects could be improved after 8-week cycling training, but the VMO to VL ratio, which represents motor control did not change significantly compared to control. Thus, the cycling training in our study is insufficient to enhance neuromuscular function in VMO and VL.

계단 오르기 시 정강이뼈 돌림이 하지의 역학과 근 활성도에 미치는 영향

This study was performed to investigate the effects of tibial rotation while going up stair on muscle activity of vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis, and on patellar displacement. The subjects included 30 people (male: 15; female: 15) who were randomly assigned to the tibial internal-rotation, neutral-rotation, and external-rotation groups. The subjects went up the stair while performing the assigned rotations, and the rotation of the hip and the displacement of the patella were measured using a 3D motion analyzer. In addition, the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis were measured using surface electromyogram. On the tibial internal rotation, the hip rotation significantly appeared in the same direction and so did on the tibial neutral and external rotations(p

The efficacy of patellar taping in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review

Pain reduction through patella taping has been hypothesised to be achieved via changes to neuromuscular control and/or patellofemoral joint (PFJ) kinematics. Considering the high number of recent publications, a systematic...