Electromyographic Comparison Research Articles

Electromyographic comparison of exercises for scapulothoracic muscle activation in men with upper crossed syndrome: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the optimal exercise for improving Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) using electromyographic (EMG) activity of upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) during ten exercises. MethodA cross-sectional study involved 30 male students (mean age: 25.3 ± 2.5 years; height: 176.8 ± 7.2 cm; weight: 77.7 ± 2.5 kg; BMI: 23.8 ± 0.72 kg/m2) with UCS. Participants were selected based on postural assessments (forward head posture ≥44°, rounded shoulder ≥49°, thoracic kyphosis ≥42°). EMG was used to measure activation levels of UT, MT, LT, and SA, and the UT activation ratio relative to MT, LT, and SA during ten exercises. One-way ANOVA was applied for data analysis. ResultsSide-lying external rotation, standing diagonal flexion with Thera-band, and lying prone “V” demonstrated the least UT activity, with the highest MT and LT activation. The standing diagonal flexion with Thera-band elicited the highest SA activity. UT/MT, UT/LT, and UT/SA ratios were less than one in multiple exercises. Significant differences in muscle activation levels and ratios were observed across all exercises (P ≤ 0.05). ConclusionThe findings suggest significant clinical implications for UCS rehabilitation. The identified exercises effectively engage MT and LT while minimizing UT activation, addressing muscular imbalances. Favorable UT/MT, UT/LT, and UT/SA ratios further support these exercises in correcting UCS. These exercises may help counteract the underlying muscular imbalance in UCS by promoting a more balanced activity ratio among the shoulder girdle muscles, potentially improving posture and reducing UCS symptoms.

Cost function criteria using muscle synergies: Exploring the potential of muscle synergy hypothesis

Background and objectiveSolving the redundant optimization problem for human muscles depends on the cost function. Choosing the appropriate cost function helps to address a specific problem. Muscle synergies are currently limited to those obtained by electromyography. Furthermore, debate continues regarding whether muscle synergy is derived or real. This study proposes new cost functions based on the muscle synergy hypothesis for solving the optimal muscle force output problem through musculoskeletal modeling. MethodsWe propose two new computational cost functions involving muscle synergies, which are extracted from muscle activations predicted by musculoskeletal modelling rather than electromyography. In this study, we constructed a musculoskeletal model for simulation using the “Grand Challenge Competition to Predict In Vivo Knee Loads” dataset. Muscle synergies were obtained using non-negative matrix factorization. Two cost functions with muscle synergies were constructed by integrating the polynomial and min/max criterion. Two new functions were verified and validated in normal, smooth, and bouncy gaits. ResultsThe muscle synergies based on normal gaits were classified into four modules. The cosine similarities of the first three modules were all >0.9. In the normal and smooth gaits, the forces in most muscles predicted using the two new functions were within three standard deviations of the root mean square error for electromyographic comparisons. Predicted muscle force curves using the four methods as well as characteristic points (i.e., time points in the gait cycle when the significant difference was observed between normal and bouncy gaits) were obtained to validate their predictive capabilities. ConclusionsThis study constructed two new cost functions involving muscle synergies, verified and validated the ability, and explored the potential of muscle synergy hypothesis.

An electromyographical comparison of torso muscle activity and ratio during modified side bridge exercises.

Individualized exercise programs based on personal impairment could lead to successful rehabilitation. An effective way to train spine stability is to find exercises that take advantage of the synergistic relation between local and global stabilization systems. This study aimed to investigate synergistic relationship between the muscles of the local and global systems during three modified side bridge exercises compared with traditional side bridge (TSB). Twenty healthy participants performed TSB, both leg lift while side-lying (BLLS), torso lift on a 45∘ bench while side-lying (TLBS), and pelvic lift on side-lying (PLS) in random order. Surface electromyography data were analyzed. The results indicate that PLS was effective as TSB on trunk muscle activity. However, BLLS and TLBS demonstrated significantly less rectus abdominal (RA) muscle activity compared to TSB (p< .001). Additionally, BLLS and TLBS had a higher internal oblique (IO)/RA muscle activity ratio than TSB (p< .001). PLS could be a suitable alternative exercise for individuals who are unable to perform TSB, as it can effectively activate trunk muscles. BLLS and TLBS may be appropriate for training the local stability system, while limiting activation of the RA.

Electromyographic Comparison Between The Rear-foot-elevated Vs. B-stance Unilateral Back Squat Techniques

Electromyographic Comparison Between The Rear-foot-elevated Vs. B-stance Unilateral Back Squat Techniques

Electromyographic Comparison of an Abdominal Rise on a Ball with a Traditional Crunch.

We propose a new exercise, the abdominal rise on the ball, to replace the traditional crunch in exercise programs. The aim of this study is to compare the activity of the abdominal muscles when performing an ARB with the same activity when performing a traditional crunch. Twenty healthy adults participated in the study. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the upper and lower rectus abdominis (URA, LRA), internal oblique (IO), external oblique (EO), transversus abdominis (TrA), and erector spinae (ES). EMG values were normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction. A paired t-test, nonparametric Wilcoxon test and correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. The normalized EMG values of EO, TrA and ES, were statistically significantly higher during the abdominal rise on the ball compared to the traditional crunch, while URA, LRA and IO were significantly lower during the abdominal rise on the ball compared to the traditional crunch. TrA, EO and IO are sufficiently activated during an abdominal rise on a ball, so the exercise could be deemed effective for strengthening these muscles.

Idiopathic Toe-Walking: A Review from 1967 to 2021

AbstractIdiopathic toe-walking (ITW) is considered a diagnosis of exclusion for which no underlying neurological, neuromuscular, neurodevelopmental, or orthopedic condition can be identified. The purpose of this review was to examine multiple aspects of ITW: natural history, evaluation, treatment, musculoskeletal manifestations, and developmental issues through the review of studies from the initial description of condition in 1967 to the present. From a PubMed search and review of reference lists of individual articles, 64 articles were selected and reviewed. The studied samples were variably described and often not well-defined. Gait analysis found gait characteristics associated with ITW that varied from normal. Children with ITW can be differentiated from children with cerebral palsy on the basis of several gait pattern features, but findings from electromyographic comparisons were variable. Treatments included orthoses, casting, botulinum toxin type A, and surgery. The evidence to support any specific treatment is limited by the small sample size and short duration of follow-up in the majority of studies. The inadequacy of the current literature suggests the need for a longitudinal multi-center study to more clearly define the population of children with ITW and to determine indications, timing, and effectiveness of the various available treatments.

Electromyographic comparison of vastus medialis obliquus facilitatory versus vastus lateralis inhibitory kinesio taping in athletes with patellofemoral pain: A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundPatellofemoral pain (PFP) is among the most common orthopedic complications afflicting active young people. Diminished coordination of the vastii, delayed activation of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), and decreased VMO-to-vastus lateralis (VL) activity ratio are well documented as underlying causes of PFP. This study compares the effects of VMO facilitatory kinesio tape (KT) versus VL inhibitory KT on electromyographic (EMG) activity of the vastii, balance, and pain in athletes with PFP. MethodsIn this single-blind randomized clinical trial, thirty-two female athletes with PFP (mean age 26.33 ± 5.93 years) were randomly assigned to VMO facilitatory KT (n = 16) or VL inhibitory KT (n = 16) groups. In the facilitatory group, a Y-shaped strip of KT at 25% of its available tension was attached from the origin of the VMO to its insertion and in the inhibitory group, an insertion-to-origin Y-shaped strip of KT at 15% of its available tension was applied on the VL. Pain intensity, dynamic balance, and EMG data were assessed respectively with a visual analogue scale, the modified Star Excursion Balance Test, and an EMG telemetry system, before and immediately after KT application. ResultsPain intensity decreased and dynamic balance improved significantly after taping in both groups, and VMO: VL activity ratio increased significantly in the VL group. However, none of the parameters differed significantly between groups. ConclusionsBoth VMO facilitatory and VL inhibitory KT can improve pain and balance, while the inhibitory technique might be more effective in regulating the VMO to VL activity ratio in athletes with PFP.

ANALYSIS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS ON THE WEARABLE ASSIST SUIT FOR REPETITIVE AGRICULTURAL TASK

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common among farmers and farming constitutes the highest industrial accident rate. To prevent these, we developed a smart auxiliary workwear and investigated its effectiveness through human impact assessment experiments. In our method, the actuator of the waist elastic band was released when there was no need to directly adjust the length with the strength support of the waist, and the elastic band was held once the motion using the waist strength disappeared. To examine the performance, 15 workers were recruited; before the experiment, they were subjected to a basic fitness evaluation to examine their general characteristics. The lumbar peak torques before and after wearing the designed work clothes were measured using the Biodex System III to determine their lumbar assistance power, which was confirmed to have increased by approximately 17%. In addition, electromyographic comparison of the amount of muscle used before and after the wearing revealed that the muscle use was reduced by 26.41% and 19.38% after wearing the work clothes when the weight was lifted in the stooping and squatting postures, respectively. Based on these results, it can be stated that the proposed smart assistive work clothes could contribute to reduced muscle usage required for work and lessen related weariness by supporting the waist, and thus, would greatly help farmers in preventing musculoskeletal disorders.

A kinematic and electromyographic comparison of a Grammont-style reverse arthroplasty combined with a l'Episcopo transfer compared to a lateralized humeral component reverse for restoration of active external rotation.

To assess kinematic and electromyographic findings of two designs of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). We tested two hypotheses: (H1) Grammont-style (RTSA) with l'Episcopo tendon transfer gains similar postoperative kinematic findings of a lateralized humeral component RTSA without a tendon transfer; (H2) RTSA with lateralized humeral component induces earlier shoulder muscle activation during shoulder motion compared with standard Grammont prosthesis with l'Episcopo transfer. Twenty-five patients with a cuff tear arthropathy, pseudoparalysis, and a positive dropping sign were sequentially included. A Grammont-style RTSA with a l'Episcopo tendon transfer was implanted in 13 patients (medialized humerus and transfer group) and an on-lay curved-stem RTSA in 12 (lateralized humerus group). Constant score; the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score; and active shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation) were measured pre- and postoperatively. Upper limb kinematic and surface electromyography (EMG) (anterior and posterior deltoid; upper, middle, and lower trapezius; and the upper and lower latissimus dorsi muscles) were recorded during active range of motion. At > 24months of follow-up, the Constant and DASH scores and active shoulder range of motion improved in both groups (p < 0.0001). Internal rotation was significantly higher in the lateralized humerus group than in the medialized humerus and transfer group (p = 0.004). The dropping sign was found in 0/12 patients in the lateralized humerus group and in 5/13 patients in the medialized humerus and transfer group (p < 0.001). Kinematic findings were similar between groups (p = 0.286). A pattern of earlier muscle activation in the lateralized humerus group was found as compared to the transfer group as follows: (i) posterior deltoid during external rotation (p = 0.004); (ii) upper latissimus dorsi and middle and lower trapezius during flexion (p = 0.004, p = 0.005, and p = 0.042, respectively); (iii) lower latissimus dorsi during abduction (p = 0.016). RTSA with a lateralized humeral component provided similar active external rotation restoration to a Grammont-style RTSA with a l'Episcopo procedure in patients with a dropping sign. The posterior deltoid muscle underwent earlier activation during active external rotation in the lateralized humerus RTSA group as compared to the tendon transfer group. Our findings demonstrated the H1 and only partially demonstrated the H2 of the study.

Electromyographic Comparison of Flywheel Inertial Leg Curl and Nordic Hamstring Exercise Among Soccer Players.

The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) has been shown to considerably reduce hamstring injuries among soccer players. However, as the load in the NHE is the person's own bodyweight, it is a very heavy exercise and difficult to individualize. The flywheel inertial leg curl (FLC) could be an alternative since the eccentric overload is based on the amount of work produced in the concentric movement. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to compare the activation in the hamstrings at long muscle lengths in the NHE and the FLC in amateur soccer players. Fifteen male amateur soccer players performed 5 repetitions in each exercise in a randomized and counterbalanced order. The concentric and eccentric movements were divided into lower and upper phases. Surface EMG was measured distally, proximally, and in the middle, at both muscles. In the lower phase in the eccentric movement, there were no significant differences between the 2 exercises (P = .101-.826). In the lower concentric movement, the FLC led to higher activation in all parts of both the biceps femoris (31%-52%, P < .001) and the semitendinosus (20%-35%, P = .001-.023). Both exercises activated the hamstrings similarly at long muscle lengths during eccentric contractions (Nordic hamstring, nonsignificantly higher). However, when performing concentric contractions, the FLC induced higher activations. Therefore, the FLC could be a useful alternative to the NHE and particularly suitable for weaker athletes before progressing to NHE.

Electromyographic Comparison of Lips and Jaw Muscles between Children With Competent and Incompetent Lips: A Cross Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study evaluates the electromyographic (EMG) activity of lips and anterior temporalis muscles of children with competent or incompetent lips. Forty children were classified clinically according to their lip competence into two groups of 20 each: 1) competent lips group (CLG), and 2) incompetent lips group (ILG). Surface EMG activity of the superior orbicularis oris (SOO), inferior orbicularis oris (IOO), and anterior temporalis (AT) muscles was recorded with the children seated in the upright position during the following tasks: 1) at rest; 2) speaking; 3) swallowing; 4) puffing out the cheeks. ILG showed lower EMG activity than CLG in the SOO and IOO muscles at rest, similar activity in both muscles during speaking, similar activity in the SOO muscle and lower in the IOO during swallowing. ILG showed significantly higher activity than CLG in both muscles while puffing out the cheeks. In the AT muscle, ILG showed lower activity than CLG at rest, during speaking and swallowing, whereas activity was similar while puffing out the cheeks. The difference in EMG activity recorded in children with incompetent lips and with competent lips suggests that the status of their musculature could affect the position and stability of their upper/lower anterior teeth.

Trunk Muscle Activation Patterns Differ Between Those With Low and High Back Extensor Strength During a Controlled Dynamic Task.

It is proposed that reduced function in one of the spinal systems (active, passive, and neural) outlined by Panjabi could increase the risk of experiencing a low back injury (LBI). Also proposed is that reduced function in any one system can be compensated for by adjusting the time-varying recruitment of trunk muscles. This study addressed whether those with reduced active system function (WEAK), measured as back extensor strength, would have different trunk muscle activation patterns than those with higher function (STRONG), and secondly whether this relationship would be modified following recovery from a LBI. Sixty men participated, 30 recently recovered from LBI (rLBI, 4–12 weeks post injury) and 30 who had not had a LBI in the last year (ASYM). ASYM and rLBI participants were separated into STRONG and WEAK sub-groups if their isometric back extensor strength was above or below their group median, respectively. Trunk electromyograms from 24 muscle sites were recorded during a highly controlled horizontal transfer task. Principal component analysis captured key muscle activation patterns (amplitude and temporal); then analysis of variance models tested for strength or group*strength effects on these patterns consistent with the two main objectives. Significant strength, or group by strength effects were found for 3/4 electromyographic comparisons. In general, the WEAK group required higher activation amplitudes of abdominal and back extensor muscles, and greater temporal responsiveness of back extensor muscles only to the changing external moments than those who were STRONG. Group by strength interactions found that participants in the rLBI group had greater differences between WEAK and STRONG participants for overall muscle activation amplitudes in both abdominal and back extensor muscles. This increase in muscle activation was interpreted as compensation for lower maximum force properties whereas the increased temporal responsiveness captured a greater need to modify the agonist back extensors muscle activation patterns only in response to changes in the dynamic moments. Interactions captured that the recent experience of pain (rLBI) modified the magnitude of adjustment in muscle activation patterns potentially adapting to an increased risk of instability (painful flare) events associated with a deficit (lower strength) of the active system.

The latissimus dorsi tendon functions as an external rotator after arthroscopic-assisted transfer for massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer is a surgical option for the treatment of massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. Whether a favourable clinical outcome is due to the latissimus dorsi muscle contraction rather than the passive tenodesis effect remains to be confirmed. The purpose of the current case-control study was to evaluate the shoulder kinematics and latissimus dorsi activation after latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Eighteen patients suffering from irreparable rotator cuff tear that underwent latissimus dorsi tendon transfer and 18 healthy individuals were examined using a 3D kinematic tracking system and electromyography. Active maximal flexion-extension and abduction-adduction of the humerus were measured for the operated and the contralateral shoulder of the patients and the shoulder of healthy individuals to evaluate the range of motion (ROM) and scapulohumeral rhythm. Electromyographic comparison of isometric contraction between the latissimus dorsi of the operated and contralateral shoulder was carried out. After arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer, patients showed comparable flexion and abduction ROM to their asymptomatic contralateral shoulders and to the shoulders of healthy individuals. Significantly higher scapular ROM values were found between the latissimus dorsi tendon transfer side and the shoulders of healthy individuals. While performing external rotation with 0° shoulder abduction, a greater percentage of the electromyographic peak value (p = 0.047) and a higher latissimus dorsi internal/external rotation ratio (p = 0.004) were noted for the transferred muscle in comparison to the contralateral shoulder. Although the arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer failed to normalize scapulothoracic joint movements of patients, a functional latissimus flap and a shoulder ROM similar to the contralateral side or the shoulder of healthy individuals can be expected after this procedure in patients with massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear. III.

A Kinematic, Kinetic, and Electromyographic Comparison of “New” And “Dead” Pointe Shoes in Professional Ballet Dancers

Ballet dancers wear pointe shoes. As these pointe shoes gain more wear, the shoes may lose structural integrity, potentially altering the normal biomechanics of dancers while performing ballet movements. These alterations may negatively affect the ballet dancer, possibly resulting in harmful compensations and overall decreasing dancers’ performance and increasing dancers’ injury risks. Even so, little research exists examining pointe shoes. PURPOSE: To compare lower body biomechanics and muscle activity between “new” and “dead” pointe shoes in professional female ballet dancers. METHODS: Nine professional female ballet dancers (age: 22±2 yrs; height: 163±6 cm; weight: 51±7 kg), with at least 10 years of pointe shoe training and no limiting pain or injuries, performed three complete relevé and arabesques in “New” (3-36 training hours) pointe shoes and “Dead” (108-144 training hours) pointe shoes. Data were collected using force plate and 3D cameras. Separate ANOVAs compared (1) sway area during quiet stance, (2) peak net ankle joint moments, and (3) the average root mean square (RMS) muscle activity (%MVC) of the gastrocnemius and the tibialis anterior muscles between the shoe conditions. RESULTS: Dancers showed significantly higher sway area in the “dead” pointe shoes during both relevé (146±115 mm2 vs. 94±58 mm2, p<0.05) and arabesque (191±159 mm2 vs. 112±48 mm2, p<0.05). Dancers showed significantly higher tibialis anterior activation during arabesque in “dead” pointe shoes (39±13% vs. 33±7%, p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in muscle activation for tibialis anterior during relevé and for gastrocnemius during relevé and arabesque (p>0.05). No significant differences were observed in plantarflexion and dorsiflexion moments during relevé and arabesque (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, we found that the biomechanical profiles presented by the dancers when wearing “dead” pointe shoes have been previously linked to increased risk for ankle instability, lateral ankle sprains, and earlier onset of muscle fatigue. Understanding how pointe shoe biomechanics changes over time may inform dancers, educator, researchers, clinicians, and pointe shoe designers how extended training in “dead” pointe shoes may potentially harm dancers’ health.

Knee biomechanics after replacement surgery (KBARS) – kinematic and electromyographic comparison of posterior-stabilised, cruciate-retaining and medial-pivot designs during locomotion

Knee biomechanics after replacement surgery (KBARS) – kinematic and electromyographic comparison of posterior-stabilised, cruciate-retaining and medial-pivot designs during locomotion

Knee Biomechanics After Replacement Surgery (Kbars) – Kinematic and Electromyographic Comparison of Posterior-Stabilised, Cruciate-Retaining and Medial-Pivot Designs During Locomotion

Knee Biomechanics After Replacement Surgery (Kbars) – Kinematic and Electromyographic Comparison of Posterior-Stabilised, Cruciate-Retaining and Medial-Pivot Designs During Locomotion

Electromyographical Comparison of Muscle Activation Patterns Across Three Commonly Performed Kettlebell Exercises.

Lyons, BC, Mayo, JJ, Tucker, WS, Wax, B, and Hendrix, RC. Electromyographical comparison of muscle activation patterns across 3 commonly performed kettlebell exercises. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2363-2370, 2017-The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle activation patterns of 3 different kettlebell (KB) exercises using electromyography (EMG). Fourteen resistance-trained subjects completed a 1-arm swing (Swing), 1-arm swing style snatch (Snatch), and a 1-arm clean (Clean) using a self-selected 8 to 10 repetition maximum load for each exercise. Trial sessions consisted of subjects performing 5 repetitions of each KB exercise. Mean EMG was used to assess the muscle activation of the biceps brachii, anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, erector spinae (ES), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris, contralateral external oblique (EO), and gluteus maximus during each lift using surface electrodes. The mean EMG was normalized using maximal voluntary contractions obtained from manual muscle testing. Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in the muscle activation patterns of the ES (Swing > Snatch), EO (Snatch, Clean > Swing), and VL (Swing > Clean) across the 3 KB exercises. We conclude that although the KB Swing, Snatch, and Clean are total body exercises, they place different demands on the ES, contralateral EO, and the VL. Therefore, KBs represent an authentic alternative for lifters, and the Swing, Snatch, and Clean are not redundant exercises.

Electromyographical Comparison of a Traditional, Suspension Device, and Towel Pull-Up.

Strengthening muscles of the back may have various implications for improving functions of daily living, aiding in the transfer of power in throwing, and assist in injury prevention of the shoulder complex. While several versions of the pull-up exist, there is currently no literature comparing their differences. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the electromyographical activity of the latissimus dorsi, posterior deltoid, middle trapezius, and biceps brachii while performing three variations of the pull-up. Resistance-trained men and women (n =15, age = 24.87 ± 6.52 years) participated in this study by performing traditional pull-ups, suspension device pull-ups, and towel pull-ups in a randomized fashion. Each pull-up was performed for three repetitions with a 1.5 bi-acromial grip-width for each participant. Normalized (%MVC) electromyographical values were recorded for each muscle group during each pull-up variation. No significant differences existed within the latissimus dorsi, biceps brachii or posterior deltoid between any of the exercises. For the middle trapezius, towel pull-ups provided significantly lower muscle activity than the traditional pull-up, while no differences between suspension pull-ups and the other variations occurred. In conclusion, only one muscular difference existed between the exercise variations and all versions examined provided electromyographical values, determined by current literature, to invoke a sufficient stimulus to promote increases in muscle strength and hypertrophy. Although further research is needed, practitioners can be confident when programming any of the movement variations examined when attempting to elicit adaptations of muscular strength and hypertrophy.

Knee biomechanics after replacement surgery (kbars) – kinematic and electromyographic comparison of posterior-stabilised, cruciate-retaining and medial-pivot designs during locomotion

Knee biomechanics after replacement surgery (kbars) – kinematic and electromyographic comparison of posterior-stabilised, cruciate-retaining and medial-pivot designs during locomotion

Electromyographic comparison of conventional machine strength training versus bodyweight exercises in patients with chronic stroke

Objective: To investigate whether bodyweight exercises can induce comparable levels of muscle activity as conventional machine exercises in chronic stroke patients.Methods: Eighteen patients performed three repetitions of bilateral- and unilateral machine leg press and the bodyweight exercises chair rise and hip thrust. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from 10 lower extremity muscles and normalized to maximal EMG (nEMG) of the non-paretic leg.Results: For the paretic leg, the bodyweight exercises showed comparable levels of nEMG in 6 out of 10 muscles compared with the bilateral leg press. Vastus lateralis nEMG was higher during bilateral leg press compared with hip thrust (38% [95% CI 33–42] vs. 10% [95% CI 6–15], p < 0.0001) and chair rise (38% [95% CI 33–42] vs. 27% [95% CI 22–32], p < 0.0001). Vastus medialis nEMG was higher during bilateral leg press compared with hip thrust (34% [95%CI 27–40] vs. 8% [95% CI 2–15], p < 0.0001). Unilateral leg press showed higher nEMG compared with bilateral leg press in biceps femoris (28% [95% CI 23–34] vs. 19% [95% CI 13–24], p = 0.0009), gluteus maximus (32% [95% CI 23–41] vs. 25% [95% CI 16–34], p < 0.05), and vastus medialis (42% [95% CI 36–48] vs. 34% [95% CI 27–40], p = 0.0013).Discussion: In patients with chronic stroke, bodyweight exercises activate the majority of the lower limb muscles to comparable levels as bilateral leg press performed in machine. In addition, unilateral leg press was superior to the bilateral leg press and both bodyweight exercises.