Knee Extension Angle Research Articles

Comparison of Muscle Activity of Vastus Lateralis and Medialis Oblique among Knee Extension Angles at 90°, 135°, 180° in Sitting Position

Comparison of Muscle Activity of Vastus Lateralis and Medialis Oblique among Knee Extension Angles at 90°, 135°, 180° in Sitting Position

Gait kinematics and physical function that most affect intralimb coordination in patients with stroke.

Disturbed lower limb coordination is thought to limit gait ability in patients with stroke. However, the relationship of lower limb coordination with gait kinematics and physical function has not yet been clarified. The purpose of the study was to clarify the gait kinematic and physical function variables that most affect intralimb coordination by using the continuous relative phase (CRP) between the thigh and shank. Fifteen participants with stroke were enrolled in this study. Kinematic and kinetic measurements were recorded during gait at preferred speeds. CRP was defined as the difference between the thigh and shank phase angles. Stepwise analysis revealed that non-paretic CRP during the propulsive phase was a determinant of gait speed. The paretic knee extension and flexion angles were determinants of the CRP during the propulsive phase in the non-paretic limb. Stepwise analysis showed that the paretic knee extension angle was a determinant of the CRP during the propulsive phase in the paretic limb. Stepwise analysis revealed that the paretic knee extensor muscle strength was a determinant of the CRP during the propulsive phase in both limbs. Our study indicates that improvement in knee movement during the stance phase may improve coordination.

Concurrent validity and intra-trial reliability of a bluetooth-embedded inertial measurement unit for real-time joint range of motion

Abstract Along with advancements in science and technology, anthropometric measurements using electronic devices have become possible, and research is being actively conducted on this topic. Recently, devices using Bluetooth that are portable because of their small size have been developed to allow real-time measurements and recording. This study investigated the concurrent validity and intra-trial reliability of a recently developed Bluetooth-embedded inertial measurement unit. Thirty-seven healthy, young adult participants (age = 22.1±1.2 years, height = 166.8±1.6 cm, mass = 61.9±12.3 kg) were included in the study. The knee extension angles during active knee extension were measured for validity, using both the Bluetooth-embedded inertial measurement unit and the standard goniometer. Intra-trial reliability was tested for consistency during repeated measurements. The intra-class correlation coefficients value for the concurrent validity between the Bluetooth-embedded inertial measurement unit and standard goniometer was 0.991, and the values for the intra-trial reliability of the two devices were 0.973 and 0.963, respectively. Based on its high validity and reliability, the Bluetooth-embedded device may be useful for evaluating functional impairment and exercise performance ability by real-time measurements of joint ranges of motion in clinical rehabilitation or sports fields.

Lower Limb Biomechanics During Level Walking After an Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture.

Background:The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is an important structure in knee stabilization. Knee cartilage degeneration after a PCL injury has been reported in several studies. Understanding the changes in movement patterns of patients with PCL ruptures could help clinicians make specific treatment protocols to restore patients’ sporting ability and prevent joint degeneration. However, the kinematics and kinetics of the lower limb in patients with PCL injuries are still not clear.Purpose:To investigate the biomechanical characteristics during level walking in patients with isolated PCL deficiency.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Three-dimensional videographic and force plate data were collected for 27 healthy male participants (control group) and 25 male patients with isolated PCL-deficiency (PCL-d group) walking at a constant self-selected speed. Paired and independent t tests were performed to determine the differences between the involved and uninvolved legs in the PCL-d group and between the PCL-d and control groups, respectively.Results:Compared with the control leg, both legs in the PCL-d group had smaller knee moments of flexion and internal rotation; greater hip angles of flexion and adduction; greater hip moments of internal rotation; greater ankle angles of extension and adduction; and smaller ankle moments of flexion, adduction, and internal rotation. Moreover, compared with the uninvolved leg in the PCL-d group, the involved leg in the PCL-d group had significantly smaller knee extension angles and moments during the terminal stance phase, greater hip external rotation angles and extension moments, and smaller ankle adduction angles and flexion moments.Conclusion:PCL ruptures altered walking patterns in both the involved and uninvolved legs, which could affect alignment of the lower limb and loading on the knee, hip, and ankle joints. Patients with PCL injuries adapted their hip and ankle to maintain knee stability.Clinical Relevance:The kinematic and kinetic adaptations in the knee, hip, and ankle after a PCL rupture during level walking are likely to be a compensatory strategy for knee instability. The results of this study suggest that these adaptations should be considered in the treatment of patients with PCL ruptures.

Posterior clearance increases the knee extension angle in cruciate retaining type total knee arthroplasty: Intraoperative evaluation using a navigation system

BackgroundPosterior osteophyte of the femur can impinge on the tibia insert in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although osteophyte removal [posterior clearance (PC)] improves the flexion angle, its influence on the gaps and extension angle are unclear. This study investigated the effect of PC on the gaps and range of motion (ROM) using a navigation system, as well as PC's relationship with osteophyte size. MethodsTwenty-seven knees that underwent cruciate-retaining (CR)-type TKA were examined. Before and after PC, the ROM, hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, and flexion and extension gaps were recorded using a navigation system. Osteophyte size was measured in the lateral view in radiographs, and in the sagittal and axial planes of computed tomography (CT) images. The effects of PC on the gaps and ROM were analysed statistically. ResultsPC caused the extension gap to increase by 0.7 ± 0.9 mm in the medial (p < 0.001), and 0.9 ± 1.5 mm in the lateral compartment (p = 0.006). The extension angle increased by 4.9 ± 1.6°, flexion angle increased by 6.5 ± 5.0°, and HKA decreased by 0.3°. The increase in extension angle by PC was significantly correlated with the preoperative HKA angle (r = 0.594) and with the osteophyte area in radiographs and CT (r = 0.626 to 0.681). ConclusionsThe extension and flexion gaps increased less than 1 mm in the medial and lateral compartments. PC achieving an additional 5° extension angle could promote full extension in severely deformed knees with a large posterior osteophyte. The extension angle increase by PC was correlated with the preoperative HKA angle and osteophyte size.

Co-Contraction of Lower Limb Muscles Contributes to Knee Stability During Stance Phase in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients.

BackgroundKnee stability has an important role in the gait of hemiplegic stroke patients. However, factors affecting knee stability have not been assessed concerning gait. The purpose of this study was to explore whether co-contraction of the lower limb muscles contributes to the knee stability during the stance phase of the gait cycle in hemiplegic stroke patients.Material/MethodsA total of 30 hemiplegic stroke patients, ages 36–79 years, were instructed to walk at their natural speed. The root mean square of surface electromyography was used to measure activities of the biceps femoris and rectus femoris muscles, while the co-contraction ratio was computed based on the root mean squares. The peak angle of knee extension was acquired in the stance phase by 3D kinematic analyses. Lower limb function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer scale for lower limb motor assessment.ResultsA statistically significant increase of the muscle co-contraction ratio of the involved extremity was observed compared with that of the uninvolved extremity (t=−4.066, P<0.05). The muscle co-contraction ratio was significantly correlated with the peak angle of knee extension (r=0.387, P=0.035), Fugl-Meyer scale (r=−0.522, P=0.003), and Modified Ashworth Scale (r=0.404, P=0.027) during the stance phase of the gait cycle.ConclusionsOur results showed that co-contraction of the rectus femoris muscle contributes to the stability of the knee and lower limb function in hemiplegic stroke patients, and suggests that co-contraction should be considered in the rehabilitation of knee stability during gait in hemiplegic stroke patients. Appropriate rehabilitation assessment planning with hemiplegic stroke patients, such as muscle co-contraction or knee stability of, might be created based on our results.

Females and males use different hip and knee mechanics in response to symmetric military-relevant loads

The purpose of this study was to determine if females and males use different hip and knee mechanics when walking with standardized military-relevant symmetric loads. Fifteen females and fifteen males walked on a treadmill for 2-min at a constant speed under three symmetric load conditions (unloaded: 1.71 kg, medium: 15 kg, heavy: 26 kg). Kinematic and kinetics of the hip and knee were calculated in the sagittal and frontal planes of the dominant limb. In females, hip abduction moments (normalized to total mass) and sagittal knee excursion decreased with increased load (p ≤ 0.024). In males, hip frontal excursion and adduction angle increased with load (p ≤ 0.003). Females had greater peak hip adduction angle than males in the unloaded and medium load conditions (p ≤ 0.036). Across sex, sagittal hip and knee excursion, peak knee extension angle, and peak hip and knee flexion angles increased with increased load (p ≤ 0.005). When normalized to body mass, all peak joint moments increased with each load (p ≤ 0.016) except peak hip adduction moment. When normalized to total mass, peak hip adduction moment and knee flexion, extension, and adduction moments decreased with each load (p < 0.001). While hip frontal plane kinetic alterations to load were only noted in females, kinematic changes were noted in males at the hip and females at the knee. Differences in strategies may increase the risk of hip and knee injuries in females compared to males. This study noted load and sex effects that were previously undetected, highlighting the importance of using military-relevant standardized loads and investigating frontal plane adaptations.

Lead knee extension contributes to drag-flick performance in field hockey

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the biomechanics of the drag-flick is important for refining the performance of this task in field hockey. The aim of this study was to determine whether the maximal knee angle and maximal angular velocity of the lead knee extension are associated with ball speed in elite drag-flick players. The kinematics of the drag flick was studied in 19 elite field-hockey players who performed 15 drag-flick shots each towards a target located 1.30 m high at optimal speed. A motion capture suit was used to capture full body drag-flick behaviour sampling at 240 Hz. Multiple regression analyses were used to study the association between both the maximal knee flexion angle and maximal angular velocity of the leading knee extension and ball speed. Significant positive associations were found between knee extension velocity and ball speed (R2 = .127, p < .001). A higher knee extension velocity resulted in higher ball speeds within the individual, without negatively affecting the accuracy. It is advised to train, within an elite drag-flick group, for higher knee extension speed to improve the drag-flick performance. Whether training to improve this parameter results in higher ball speeds should be subject of future studies.

Effect of Different Knee Angles on Active Joint Position Sense in Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

AbstractBackground: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a common, painful musculoskeletal condition that affects physically active young adults and adolescents. During assessment of joint position sense, the different positions of the knee may affect the internal structures of the knee differently. Therefore, examining the differences in the two positions between both males and females may shed light on the effect of muscle activation.Aim of Study: To examine the differences between 20 and 60 angles of knee extension on knee joint position sense as well as to examine the differences in knee joint position sense between males and females in patient with patellofemoral pain syndrome.Material and Methods: Thirty nine participants (11 men, 28 women) participated in this study. With a mean age of 18 to 35 years with mean age (24.25±3.40) years, mean weight (68.71±16.01) Kg, and mean height (164.07±10. 14) cm. All subjects were assessed by the same examiner via the Isokinetic Dynamometer Device (IKD) at angles 20o and 60o with angular velocity 2o/sec to determine which angle has more angular error.Results: The results revealed that the 20 angle position had a significantly greater absolute reposition error than the 60 angle position (p=0.039). There was no significant differ-ence in joint position sense between males and females at angle 20 (p=0.829), and angle 60 (p=0.833).Conclusion: The results indicate that there is a significant difference in knee joint position sense between position of 20 degrees of extension and 60 degrees of extension. Specif-ically, as the knee becomes more extended proprioceptive acuity was heightened. Therefore, future research is still needed to discern exactly whether the heightened propriocep-tive acuity comes from the differences in gravitational torque or the differences in the anatomical structures of the knee between the two positions.

Predictors of Walking Efficiency in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Lower-Body Joint Angles, Moments, and Power.

People with cerebral palsy (CP) experience increased muscle stiffness, muscle weakness, and reduced joint range of motion. This can lead to an abnormal pattern of gait, which can increase the energy cost of walking and contribute to reduced participation in physical activity. The aim of the study was to examine associations between lower-body joint angles, moments, power, and walking efficiency in adolescents with CP. This was a cross-sectional study. Sixty-four adolescents aged 10 to 19 years with CP were recruited. Walking efficiency was measured as the net nondimensional oxygen cost (NNcost) during 6 minutes of overground walking at self-selected speed. Lower-body kinematics and kinetics during walking were collected with 3-dimensional motion analysis, synchronized with a treadmill with integrated force plates. The associations between the kinematics, kinetics, and NNcost were examined with multivariable linear regression. After adjusting for age, sex, and Gross Motor Function Classification System level, maximum knee extension angle (β=-0.006), hip angle at midstance (β=-0.007), and maximum hip extension (β=-0.008) were associated with NNcost. Age was a significant modifier of the association between the NNcost and a number of kinematic variables. This study examined kinetic and kinematic variables in the sagittal plane only. A high interindividual variation in gait pattern could have influenced the results. Reduced knee and hip joint extension are associated with gait inefficiency in adolescents with CP. Age is a significant factor influencing associations between ankle, knee, and hip joint kinematics and gait efficiency. Therapeutic interventions should investigate ways to increase knee and hip joint extension in adolescents with CP.

Measuring clinically relevant knee motion with a self-calibrated wearable sensor

Low-cost sensors provide a unique opportunity to continuously monitor patient progress during rehabilitation; however, these sensors have yet to demonstrate the fidelity and lack the calibration paradigms necessary to be viable tools for clinical research. The purpose of this study was to validate a low-cost wearable sensor that accurately measured peak knee extension during clinical exercises and needed no additional equipment for calibration. Sagittal plane knee motion was quantified using a 9-axis motion sensor and directly compared to motion capture data. The motion sensor measured the field strength of a strong earth magnet secured to the distal femur, which was correlated with knee angle during a simple calibration process. Peak knee motions and kinematic patterns were compared with motion capture data using paired t-tests and cross correlation, respectively. Peak extension values during seated knee extensions were accurate within 5 degrees across all subjects (root mean square error: 2.6 degrees, P = 0.29). Knee flexion during gait strongly correlated (0.84 ≤ rxy ≤ 0.99) with motion capture measurements but demonstrated peak flexion errors of 10 degrees. In this study, we present a low-cost sensor (≈$ 35 US) that accurately determines knee extension angle following a calibration procedure that did not require any other equipment. Our findings demonstrate that this sensor paradigm is a feasible tool to monitor patient progress throughout physical therapy. However, dynamic motions that are associated with soft-tissue artifact may limit the accuracy of this type of wearable sensor.

Universal goniometer and electro-goniometer intra-examiner reliability in measuring the knee range of motion during active knee extension test in patients with chronic low back pain with short hamstring muscle

BackgroundBoth universal goniometer and electro-goniometer are used for measuring joint range of motion in physiotherapy. Active knee extension test is a way to assess hamstring shortness in patients with chronic low back pain. The aim of this study was to assess universal goniometer and electro-goniometer reliability in measuring knee angle during active knee extension test.MethodsThis was an intra-examiner reliability study between three measurements of knee extension angle that conducted on 45 patients with chronic low back pain having short hamstring muscle that referring to Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences clinic from 2016 to 2017. Knee extension angle was measured three times during active knee extension test with both universal goniometer and electro-goniometer.The measurement of knee extension angle was done at the beginning, middle and the end of one single session by one experienced physiotherapist.The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurements (SEM) were used to quantify intra-examiner reliability.ResultsFor both methods, the reliability test values were found to be greater than 0.7 in the range of 0.92 to 0.99 (CI 95% ranged over = 0.94 to 0.99), which are classified as good reliability. The SEMs ranged from 1.04° to 2.16° for both scales.ConclusionUniversal goniometer in clinical evaluations of patients (as they are easy to be employed) and electro-goniometer in laboratory studies (as they are more accurate) are reliable.

Noninvasive navigated assessment of the lower limb axis prior to knee arthroplasty: a feasibility study.

The purpose of the study was to assess accuracy and repeatability of a noninvasive navigated (NIN) measurement of the lower limb axes by comparison with the conventional, invasive navigated (IN) technique. The tested hypothesis was that NIN measure will significantly differ from IN measure when performed on a supine patient under general anesthesia just prior to knee arthroplasty. The accuracy study involved 20 cases. The following measures were performed with both systems: maximal extension angle, coronal mechanical femoro-tibial angle at the previously assessed maximal extension angle, coronal mechanical femoro-tibial angle at 30° of knee flexion. NIN and IN measures were compared with the appropriate statistical tests. The repeatability study involved 14 cases. The same measures were performed with the NIN system twice by two independent observers. The intra- and inter-observer variability was assessed by the calculation of the intra-class correlation coefficient. After correction for the systematic biases, the differences between the two systems were not significant. A good correlation, a good coherence and an excellent agreement between NIN and IN measures of maximal extension angle and coronal femoro-tibial mechanical angle at maximal extension. But measures at 30° of flexion were inconsistent. The NIN system can be considered as an accurate and precise tool for the assessment of the knee extension angle and the coronal deformation at maximal extension prior to knee arthroplasty. But this system is less accurate and less repeatable when measuring coronal femoro-tibial mechanical angle at 30° of flexion and should not be used for this purpose.

A Comparison of Angle of Active Knee Extension During Various Modified Contract-Relax PNF Technique: A Cross-Over Study

A Comparison of Angle of Active Knee Extension During Various Modified Contract-Relax PNF Technique: A Cross-Over Study

Change of Quadriceps Muscular strength and Muscle Activity According to Knee Extension Angle and body Mass Index

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on muscle strength and activity according to the knee angle. Muscle activity of vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoris (RF) was measured for 48 healthy adults. Isokinetic equipment was used to measure the isometric strength of the knee extensors at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° flexion. One-way ANOVA was used to compare isometric muscle strength and activity. The maximum isometric strength of the knee extensors according to the knee angle showed a significant difference between the groups at 0°, 30°, and 90° of knee flexion (p<.05). The maximum isometric strength at 0° flexion of the knee joint was significantly different between the normal and overweight, and the underweight and overweight, respectively. In knee flexion 30°, there was a significant difference between underweight and normal, underweight and overweight. In 90° flexion, there was a significant difference between the underweight and the overweight. There was a significant difference in VM at 0° and 30° knee flexion (p <.05). Post hoc test results showed a significant difference between underweight and overweight at 0° flexion. In 30° flexion, there was a significant difference between normal and overweight, and between underweight and overweight. It is considered that selective muscle strengthening according to a specific angle is necessary according to BMI.

A study to compare efficacy of hold-relax and agonist contraction of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique on hamstring muscle flexibility in healthy female-An interventional study

Background: There are mainly 2 types of stretching technique: active and passive techniques.1 PNF uses the concept of muscle relaxation being fundamental to elongation of muscle tissue. There are three stretching techniques included in PNF: Hold-Relax (HR), Agonist Contraction (AC), Hold-Relax with Agonist Contraction (HR-AC). The purpose of this study to compare efficacy of Hold-Relax and Agonist Contraction of PNF technique on hamstring muscle flexibility in healthy females. Objective: To compare the effect of Hold-Relax (HR) with Agonist Contraction (AC) of PNF technique on hamstrings muscle’s flexibility in healthy female individuals. Method: Study design is an interventional study and sample population taken was normal healthy female individuals from college area with sample size of 30. Simple random sampling method (lottery method) was used. 30 subjects having hamstrings muscle tightness which is examined by measurement of Active Knee Extension angle and Perceived level of hamstring muscle score scale. Subjects received following treatments: group A was taken Hold and Relax stretching with 30 seconds hold for 3 times per set and 1 set per day. Group B was taken agonist contraction stretching with 30 seconds hold for 3 times per set and 1 set per day. In both technique therapy was given for 5days/week, 1set/day and 3 times for each set. 5 sessions were given. Outcome Measures: 1. Active Knee Extension angle 2. Perceived level of hamstring tightness score scale Results: Results showed improvement in hamstring muscle flexibility in group A (t = -7.94, p- <0.05) and group B (t= -4.75, p<0.05) but more significant improvement seen in subjects of group A (p- <0.05). Conclusion: Result of present study showed that Hold & Relax technique is more effective in increasing flexibility of hamstring muscle compared to Agonist Contraction technique.

Stiffness modification of two ankle-foot orthosis types to optimize gait in individuals with non-spastic calf muscle weakness \u2013 a proof-of-concept study

BackgroundTo reduce gait problems in individuals with non-spastic calf muscle weakness, spring-like ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are often applied, but they are not individually optimized to treatment outcome. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate the effects of modifying the stiffness for two spring-like AFO types with shoes-only as reference on gait outcomes in three individuals with calf muscle weakness due to polio.MethodsWe assessed 3D gait biomechanics, walking speed and walking energy cost for shoes-only and five stiffness conditions of a dorsal-leaf-spring AFO and a spring-hinged AFO. Outcomes were compared between stiffness conditions in the two AFOs and three subjects.ResultsMaximum ankle dorsiflexion angle decreased with increasing stiffness in both AFOs (up to 6–8°) and all subjects. Maximum knee extension angle changed little between stiffness conditions, however different responses between the AFOs and subjects were observed compared to shoes-only. Walking speed remained unchanged across conditions. For walking energy cost, we found fairly large differences across stiffness conditions with both AFOs and between subjects (range 3–15%).ConclusionsModifying AFO stiffness in individuals with non-spastic calf muscle weakness resulted in substantial differences in ankle biomechanics and walking energy cost with no effect on speed. Our results provide proof-of-concept that individually optimizing AFO stiffness can clinically beneficially improve gait performance.

Contribution of Lower Limb Joint Movement in Adapting to Re-establish Step Length Symmetry During Split-Belt Treadmill Walking

People walking on a split-belt treadmill, where each belt moves at a different speed, adapt step length to re-establish symmetry. However, kinematic changes that occur when re-establishing step length symmetry have not yet been clarified. This study aims to clarify the changing lower limb joint kinematics of each leg when re-establishing step length symmetry. We examined ten young adults who walked on a double-belt treadmill under symmetric and asymmetric conditions of belt velocity using a motion capture system. The results showed that the hip flexion angle at heel strike on one side was not significantly different between the symmetric and asymmetric conditions (p = 0.38) thereby demonstrating that the hip flexion angle of the leading leg re-established symmetry at heel strike (HS) of the fast and slow sides. However, the knee extension angle of the leading leg expanded asymmetrically at HS on both sides. The shank of the fast leg possibly accelerated more to move the heel further forward. The results indicated that subjects with limited knee extension function must increase their hip flexion movement of the fast-side limb to accelerate the shank in the swing phase. The present study suggests securing the range of motion and treatment of the knee extension to reduce the spasticity of hamstrings or plantarflexor before split-belt training. Moreover, split-belt training may be undesirable for improving step length symmetry in impaired subjects who are unlikely to improve the function of knee extension movement. The present study contributes toward developing a rehabilitation protocol that improves the gait asymmetry of patients through split-belt training.

Range of Motion Adaptations in Powerlifters.

Gadomski, SJ, Ratamess, NA, and Cutrufello, PT. Range of motion adaptations in powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3020-3028, 2018-The aim of this study was to investigate range of motion (ROM) and training patterns in powerlifters. Upper- and lower-extremity passive ROMs were assessed through goniometry in 15 male powerlifters (35.3 ± 13.7 years) and 15 age-matched controls (34.9 ± 14.6 years). The Apley scratch test and modified Thomas test were used to assess ROM across multiple joints. Training frequency, stretching frequency, and exercise selection were recorded using questionnaires. Passive glenohumeral (GH) extension, internal rotation, and external rotation ROM were significantly decreased in powerlifters (p < 0.050). Powerlifters displayed decreased ROM in the Apley scratch test in both dominant (p = 0.015) and nondominant (p = 0.025) arms. However, knee extension angle was markedly improved in powerlifters (20.3 ± 7.3°) compared with controls (29.9 ± 6.2°; p < 0.001). Bench press and bench press variations accounted for 74.8% of all upper-body exercises, whereas back squat and deadlift accounted for 79.7% of all lower-body exercises in powerlifters' training programs. To determine whether existing ROM adaptations were seen in elite powerlifters, the powerlifting cohort was split into 3 groups based on Wilks score: <400 (low), 400-500 (intermediate), and >500 (high). GH ROM limitations were more pronounced in elite powerlifters (Wilks >500), who had more powerlifting experience (p = 0.048) and greater lean body mass (p = 0.040). Overall, powerlifters displayed decreased GH ROM, but increased hamstring ROM, after training programs that were heavily focused on the bench press, back squat, and deadlift.

Short-Term Effects of Suspension Training on Strength and Power Performances.

Suspension Training (ST) workouts include a variety of movements requiring the individual to maintain balance while performing various resistance exercises in an interval fashion. Although ST is thought to elicit higher muscle activations than traditional exercises, only limited information is available on its acute effects on strength and power performances, especially in relation to gender. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the strength and power acute responses after ST, also in relation to gender. Eighty-eight (46 males, 42 females) participants were administered countermovement jumps (CMJ), squat jumps (SJ), lower limb Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) at 90° angle knee extension, and grip strength (handgrip) before (PRE) and after (POST) a 50 min ST session involving upper, lower body and core exercises. ANOVA for repeated measures was used to evaluate the differences (p < 0.05) in relation to gender and experimental session. After ST session, significantly higher values emerged in males, whereas no significant changes were found in females. Findings indicate that ST as a form of exercise is useful to maintain and improve acute strength and power performances, especially in male participants. Future studies should be carried out to explore the gender-related differences in response to acute bout of ST exercises.