Quadriceps Muscle Activity Research Articles

Comparing Electromyographic Activity of Quadriceps Muscle During Straight Leg Raise in Individuals With and Without Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Comparing Electromyographic Activity of Quadriceps Muscle During Straight Leg Raise in Individuals With and Without Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Correlation between Pulmonary Function and Quadriceps Muscle Activity, Depression Scale, and Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Correlation between Pulmonary Function and Quadriceps Muscle Activity, Depression Scale, and Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Quadriceps Muscle Activity, Weight-Loading and Patient Experiences during Two Different Pivot Transfers in Subacute Stroke Patients: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study

Quadriceps Muscle Activity, Weight-Loading and Patient Experiences during Two Different Pivot Transfers in Subacute Stroke Patients: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study

Comparison of quadriceps muscle activities during plyometric, open and closed kinetic chain exercises

Comparison of quadriceps muscle activities during plyometric, open and closed kinetic chain exercises

Moderate-Load Muscular Endurance Strength Training Did Not Improve Peak Power or Functional Capacity in Older Men and Women.

The present study determined the effects of muscular endurance strength training on maximum strength and power, functional capacity, muscle activation and hypertrophy in older men and women. Eighty-one men and women acted as an intervention group while 22 acted as non-training controls (age range 64–75 y). Intervention training included super-sets (i.e., paired exercises, immediately performing the second exercises following completion of the first) with short rest intervals (30–60 s between sets) at an intensity of 50–60% one-repetition maximum (1-RM) for 15–20 repetitions. Concentric leg press actions measured maximum strength (1-RM) and concentric peak power. Functional capacity was assessed by maximum speed walking tests (i.e., forward walk, backward walk, timed-up-and-go, and stair climb tests). Quadriceps muscle activation was assessed by surface electromyogram and twitch interpolation technique. Vastus lateralis cross-sectional area was measured by panoramic ultrasound. Compared to control, the intervention groups increased maximum strength (1-RM; men: 10 ± 7% vs. 2 ± 3%, women: 14 ± 9% vs. 1 ± 6% both P < 0.01) and vastus lateralis cross-sectional area (men: 6 ± 7% vs. −3 ± 6%, women: 10 ± 10% vs. 0 ± 4% both P < 0.05). But there were no between-group differences in peak power, muscle activation or functional capacity (e.g., stair climb; men: −5 ± 7% vs. −4 ± 3%, women: −5 ± 6% vs. −2 ± 5% both P > 0.05). While benefits occurred during muscular endurance strength training, specific stimuli are probably needed to target all aspects of age-related health.

A Review of the Biomechanical Differences Between the High-Bar and Low-Bar Back-Squat.

Glassbrook, DJ, Helms, ER, Brown, SR, and Storey, AG. A review of the biomechanical differences between the high-bar and low-bar back-squat. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2618-2634, 2017-The back-squat is a common exercise in strength and conditioning for a variety of sports. It is widely regarded as a fundamental movement to increase and measure lower-body and trunk function, as well as an effective injury rehabilitation exercise. There are typically 2 different bar positions used when performing the back-squat: the traditional "high-bar" back-squat (HBBS) and the "low-bar" back-squat (LBBS). Different movement strategies are used to ensure that the center of mass remains in the base of support for balance during the execution of these lifts. These movement strategies manifest as differences in (a) joint angles, (b) vertical ground reaction forces, and (c) the activity of key muscles. This review showed that the HBBS is characterized by greater knee flexion, lesser hip flexion, a more upright torso, and a deeper squat. The LBBS is characterized by greater hip flexion and, therefore, a greater forward lean. However, there are limited differences in vertical ground reaction forces between the HBBS and LBBS. The LBBS can also be characterized by a greater muscle activity of the erector spinae, adductors, and gluteal muscles, whereas the HBBS can be characterized by greater quadriceps muscle activity. Practitioners seeking to develop the posterior-chain hip musculature (i.e., gluteal, hamstring, and erector muscle groups) may seek to use the LBBS. In comparison, those seeking to replicate movements with a more upright torso and contribution from the quadriceps may rather seek to use the HBBS in training.

Evaluation of Isokinetic Single-Leg Cycling as a Rehabilitation Exercise Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments, with over 250,000 injuries per year in the United States. Previous studies have found that ACL-deficient individuals avoid use of the quadriceps in the injured limb as a means of limiting anterior movement of the tibia in the absence of a functioning ACL. From these results, a study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of isokinetic single-leg cycling in increasing quadriceps muscle recruitment and activation. Ten control and seven ACL-reconstructed subjects completed a series of 15 s cycling trials in isokinetic mode at 75 rpm, while kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data of the lower limbs were collected, with the trials including both double-leg and single-leg cycling. It was hypothesized that there would be an increase in quadriceps muscle activity, peak knee extensor moment, and knee joint power in single-leg cycling when compared to double-leg cycling. The results of the study suggest that single-leg cycling may be an effective exercise in increasing the strength of the quadriceps following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. Although no significant changes occurred, the results indicate that, given a specific limb power, more muscle force will be generated from the quadriceps muscle group in single-leg cycling than double-leg cycling.

The fatigue of a full body resistance exercise session in trained men

ObjectivesWe examined the fatigue and recovery for 48h following a full-body resistance exercise session in trained men. DesignExperimental cross-sectional study. MethodsEight resistance trained men volunteered to participate (mean±SD; age 27.0±6.0 years, height 1.79±0.05m, weight 81.8±6.8kg, training experience 7.8±5.0 years). Fatigue and pain was measured before, after, 1h post, 24h and 48h post the full-body resistance exercise session, which was based on in-season models used in contact team sports (e.g. AFL, NRL). Other measures included maximal torque and rate of torque development, central motor output (quadriceps muscle activation, voluntary activation, H-reflexes), and muscle contractility (evoked twitch responses). Linear mixed-model ANOVA procedures were used for data analysis. ResultsFatigue, soreness, and muscle pain did not return to pre-exercise levels until after 48h rest. Quadriceps maximal torque and muscle contractility were reduced from pre-exercise (p<0.01), and did not return to pre-exercise levels until 24h. Early rates of torque development and muscle activation were unchanged. The amplitude and slope of the normalized quadriceps H-reflex was higher immediately after exercise (p<0.05). ConclusionsFull-body resistance exercise including multiple lower limb movements immediately reduced maximal torque, muscle contractility, and increased pain. While recovery of voluntary and evoked torque was complete within a day, 48h rest was required for fatigue and pain to return to baseline. Maximal voluntary effort may be compromised for lower-limb training (i.e. sprinting, jumping) prescribed in the 48h after the session.

Femoral Nerve Blockade versus Adductor Canal Nerve Blockade with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives:Post-operative pain control is critical to successful outcomes following outpatient anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Femoral nerve blockade (FNB) has traditionally been employed to provide analgesia for ACLR since its inception in the early 1990’s. Recent studies, however, suggest a significant reduction in quadriceps muscle strength, and increased fall risk with the use of FNB. To mitigate the loss in muscle function and patient safety, surgeons and anesthesiologists have recently been exploring the potential benefits of a motor sparing adductor canal nerve blockade (ACB). To date, however, few comparative studies exist within an ACL reconstruction population to determine its clinical utility. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare acute pain control, quadriceps muscle activation and patient function between FNB and ACB following ACL reconstruction out to 4 weeks.Methods:One-hundred and twenty-three patients (ACB, n = 63 and FNB, n= 60) undergoing ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon (WRL) were recruited to participate in this study. Patient demographics were similar for age (28.3 ±11.1 vs 26.7 ±10.0; P =.68), gender (61.9% male vs % male; P =.17), and BMI (26 ±6 vs 27 ±8; P =.79) for ACB and FNB groups, respectively. Pain control was measured within the first 24 hours of surgery using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and opioid use in morphine units (mg). Quadriceps muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography (EMG) and recorded as the deficit between the involved and uninvolved limbs (µV). Quadriceps function was clinically assessed by the number of straight leg raises performed (without a lag), and the ability to meet our criteria for ambulation without an assistive device at 24 hrs, 2 wks, and 4 wks postoperatively. A mixed-model ANOVA (group x time) was used for all statistical comparisons with an a priori α =.05.Results:There were no differences in NPRS score (2.4 ±1.7 vs 2.6 ±2.0; P =.52), and Morphine units (24.1 mg ±16.3 vs 22.8 mg ±15.6; P =.61) for ACB and FNB groups thru 24 hours post-surgery. Quadriceps muscle activation deficits were lower for the ACB group at each testing timeframe (Figure 1); 24 hours (196.2 µV ±21.0 vs 227.6 µV±23.7; P =.02), 2 weeks (87.3 µV ±19.5 vs 179.2 µV ±15.2; P <.01), and 4 weeks (56.4 µV ±18.3 vs 118.9 µV ±17.1; P =.02). The ability to meet criteria for ambulation without an assistive device was higher at 4 weeks for patients receiving ACB versus FNB (98.4% vs 90.0% ; P =.01). No statistical differences were observed for the number of straight leg raises performed at any timeframe (P >.05).Conclusion:The primary results of this study show that ACB provides similar pain control with improved quadriceps muscle activation compared to FNB acutely following ACL reconstruction. Additionally, the ability to ambulate without an assistive device appears to occur sooner for patients receiving ACB. No differences were observed in the number of straight leg raises performed up to 4 wks post-surgery. Surgeons should consider the potential benefits of ACB for post-operative analgesia when performing ACL reconstruction.

Effect of Infrapatellar Strap on Quadriceps Strength and Jump

Patellar tendinopathy is a common sport injury in athletes. Infrapatellar strap is an assistive device that is frequently used for the victims with patellar tendinopathy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of infrapatellar strap usage on quadriceps strength and ground reaction forces during jumps. Fourteen healthy subjects were participated in this study. Biodex isokinetic dynamometer and surface electromyography systems were used to measure the muscle strength of the quadriceps and muscle activation of the dominant leg. A force plate was used to measure the ground reaction forces during squat jump, counter-movement jump and drop jump. Paired t-test was used to compare the statistical differences between the infrapatellar strap and nostrap conditions. We found no significant difference in quadriceps strength and muscle activation in the isokinetic testing. The application of infrapatellar strap significantly increased the vertical ground reaction force during the take-off phase of squat jump. However, no significant difference was found for the counter-movement jump and drop jump. The stretch-shortening cycle during jump was not affected by the infrapatellar strap application. These results concludes that along with reduction of the impact force during landing, the application of infrapatellar strap showed neither adverse effect on quadriceps strength and muscle activation, nor affected the stretch-shortening cycle during jump.

Activation of lower limb muscles with different types of mount in hippotherapy

ObjectivesTo analyze muscle activation of lower limbs (LL) of subjects in hippotherapy sessions. MethodsThe study included 10 healthy subjects, five male and five female, with an average age of 24.03 (±4.06) years. Subjects underwent four hippotherapy sessions of 30 min with interval of one week, and each session was performed with a different type of mount material in the following order: 1st performed with saddle and feet in the stirrups (S1), 2nd with saddle and feet off the stirrups (S2), 3rd with blanket and feet off the stirrup (S3) and 4th with blanket and feet in the stirrups (S4). Surface electromyographies were performed at 1, 10, 20 and 30 min of session, and the electrodes were placed on muscle bellies bilaterally on the muscles rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis and tibialis anterior. ResultsThe analysis of muscle activity during these four sessions showed a significant difference in muscle recruitment in LL, and sessions with blanket and feet in the stirrups provided greater muscle activation of quadriceps and tibialis anterior with the horse at step gait (p = 0.0002). ConclusionThe results suggest that feet positioned in the stirrups is a relevant factor for greater muscle recruitment in LL to maintain postural balance while riding, especially using a blanket as mount material for ride a horse.

Increased Fatigue Response to Augmented Deceptive Feedback during Cycling Time Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different magnitudes of deception on performance and exercise-induced fatigue during cycling time trial. After three familiarization visits, three women and eight men performed three 5-km cycling time trials while following a simulated dynamic avatar reproducing either 100% (5K100%), 102% (5K102%), or 105% (5K105%) of the subject's previous fastest trial. Quadriceps muscle activation was quantified with surface electromyography. Fatigue was quantified by preexercise to postexercise (10 s through 15 min recovery) changes in quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force, potentiated twitch force evoked by electrical femoral nerve stimulation (QTSingle) and voluntary activation (VA, twitch interpolation technique). Greater quadriceps muscle activation in 5K102% versus 5K100% (12% ± 11%) was found in parallel with a 5% ± 2% and 2% ± 1% improvement in power output and completion time, respectively (P < 0.01). Exercise-induced reduction in MVC force and VA were 14% ± 19% and 28% ± 31% greater at exercise termination (at 10 s), whereas QTSingle recovery (from 10 s to 15 min) was 5% ± 5% less in 5K102% versus 5K100% (P < 0.01). No difference in performance or fatigue indices measured at exercise termination was found between 5K100% and 5K105%. Muscle activation and performance improvements during a deceptive cycling time trial were achieved only with a 2% magnitude of deception and were associated with a further impairment in MVC force, QTSingle recovery and VA compared to control. Performance improvement during cycling time trial with augmented deceptive feedback therefore resulted in exacerbated exercise-induced peripheral and central fatigue.

Interplay between body stabilisation and quadriceps muscle activation capacity

The study aimed to distinguish the effect of stabilisation and muscle activation on quadriceps maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) torque generation. Nine subjects performed (a) an MVC with restrained leg and pelvis (Typical MVC), (b) a Typical MVC with handgrip (Handgrip MVC), (c) an MVC focusing on contracting the knee extensors only (Isolated knee extension MVC), and (d) an MVC with unrestrained leg and pelvis (Unrestrained MVC). Torque and activation capacity between conditions were compared with repeated measures ANOVA and dependent t-tests. EMG (from eleven remote muscles) was compared using Friedman’s and Wilcoxon. Typical MVC (277.2±49.6Nm) and Handgrip MVC (261.0±55.4Nm) were higher than Isolated knee extension MVC (210.2±48.3Nm, p<0.05) and Unrestrained MVC (195.2±49.7Nm, p<0.05) torque. Typical MVC (83.1±15.9%) activation was higher than Isolated knee extension MVC (68.9±24.3%, p<0.05), and both Typical MVC and Handgrip MVC (81.8±17.4%) were higher than Unrestrained MVC (64.9±16.2%, p<0.05). Only flexor carpi radialis, biceps brachii, triceps brachii and external oblique muscles showed EMG differences, with Isolated knee extension MVC consistently lower than Typical MVC or Handgrip MVC. Stabilisation of the involved segments is the prime concern allowing fuller activation of the muscle, reinforcing the need for close attention to stabilisation during dynamometry-based knee joint functional assessment.

Effect of stimulation of cold receptors with menthol on EMG activity of quadriceps muscle during low load contraction

Purpose: Facilitatory and inhibitory responses of spinal motor neurons are influenced by somatosensory input from the skin. The purpose of this study, employing electromyography, was to examine the neuromuscular changes that occur with menthol applied to the skin over the quadriceps muscle.Methods: Forty-two healthy volunteers performed isometric knee extensions at 35% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) in three groups (Adult Placebo, Adult Menthol, Older Adult Menthol). Stimulation used was application of 5% menthol gel to the skin. Surface electromyography (sEMG) from the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), and rectus femoris (RF) was recorded using miniature pair electrodes.Results: Root mean square electromyography (rmsEMG) in VL and VM significantly increased with menthol stimulation both in Adult and Older Adult, but no significant difference was observed between Adult Menthol and Older Adult Menthol. There was a significant decrease in mean power frequency (MPF) in VM with menthol stimulation in Older Adult, but no significant changes were observed in Adult Menthol.Conclusion: Neuromuscular modulation was observed with the application of menthol gel at low loads in the present study. These findings could lead to a new method of muscular training that targets the recruitment of fast type muscle safe for older adults.

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.

Muscle Activation Profiles and Co-Activation of Quadriceps and Hamstring Muscles around Knee Joint in Indian Primary Osteoarthritis Knee Patients.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of knee is a common joint disease. It is associated with reduced knee joint stability due to impaired quadriceps strength, pain, and an altered joint structure. There is altered muscle activation in knee OA patients, which interferes with normal load distribution around the knee and facilitates disease progression. Our primary aim was to determine activation patterns of the muscles i.e., quadriceps and hamstrings in knee OA patients during walking. We also studied co-activation of muscles around knee joint in primary OA knee patients including directed medial and lateral co-contractions. This observational study was done at Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Fourty-four patients with medial compartment primary knee OA were included in study after satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the patients were assessed for mean, peak and integrated Root Mean Square (RMS), EMG values, muscle activation patterns and co-activation of muscles around knee joint by surface Electromyography (EMG) analysis of Vastus Medialis Obliques (VMO), Vastus Lateralis (VL), Semitendinosus (SMT) and Biceps Femoris (BF) muscles during gait cycle. The EMG waveform for each muscle was amplitude normalized and time normalized to 100% of gait cycle and plotted on graph. Quantitative variables were assessed for normal distribution and accordingly mean±SD or median (range), as appropriate, was computed. For primary OA knee, mean age 61±5 years, mean weight 63.7±10.1 kg, mean height 153.9±7.2 cm, and mean Body Mass Index (BMI) 26.8±3.0 kg/m2 was found. The muscle activity of hamstrings (SMT muscle and BF) was increased during midstance, late stance and early swing phase of gait cycle as compared to quadriceps (VMO and VL) muscle activity respectively, suggesting co-contraction of opposing muscles around knee joint. Patients with knee OA walk with increased hamstring muscle activity (during late stance and early swing phase) and reduced quadriceps recruitment. Altered neuro-muscular control around knee interferes with normal load distribution and facilitates disease progression in knee joint.

Neuromuscular performance of maximal voluntary explosive concentric contractions is influenced by angular acceleration.

Torque production during maximal voluntary explosive contractions is considered to be a functionally more relevant neuromuscular measure than steady-state torque, but little is known about accelerated concentric contractions. This study investigated torque, muscle activity, and fascicle behavior during isometric and fast concentric contractions of quadriceps femoris. Ten participants performed maximal voluntary explosive isometric, isovelocity, and additional concentric knee extensions at angular accelerations ranging from 700 to 4000°s-2 that resulted in an angular velocity of 300°s-1 at 40° knee flexion. Concentric torque at 40° knee flexion was corrected for inertia, and the corresponding isometric torque was matched to the time when the target knee angle of 40° was reached during concentric contractions. Electromyography of quadriceps femoris and hamstrings and ultrasound of vastus lateralis were measured to determine muscle activity, fascicle length, and fascicle velocity (FV). The faster the acceleration, the more torque was produced during concentric contractions at 40° knee flexion, which was accompanied by a reduction in FV. In comparison with isometric conditions, concentric quadriceps muscle activity was increased and torque during accelerations ≥3000°s-2 equaled the time-matched isometric torque. Our results provide novel evidence that acceleration influences torque production during maximal voluntary explosive concentric contractions. This is suggested to be due to series elasticity and reduced force depression.

Comparative Study on Muscle Activity and Torque Value of Quadriceps of Healthy Adults

Comparative Study on Muscle Activity and Torque Value of Quadriceps of Healthy Adults

Muscular and neuromuscular control following soccer-specific exercise in male youth: Changes in injury risk mechanisms.

Poor neuromuscular control has been proposed as a risk factor for non-contact injuries, thus this study aimed to explore the effects of soccer-specific fatigue on leg muscle activation, reactive strength, leg stiffness, and functional hamstring/quadriceps ratio (H/QFUNC ) in elite male youth soccer players. Outcome measures were determined in 18 youth players (age 14.4±0.5years; stature 169.4± 9.9cm; mass 59.3±8.9kg; maturity offset 0.86±0.88 years) pre and post simulated soccer match play (SAFT90 ). There was no fatigue-related change in the H/QFUNC ; however, reactive strength and leg stiffness were both compromised (P<0.001) after soccer-specific fatigue. Muscle activation was also locally compromised (P<0.001) in the medial hamstring and quadriceps but not in the lateral muscles. Where statistically significant changes were observed, the effect sizes ranged from small to large (0.33-0.97). Compromised stiffness when fatigue is present suggests an increased yielding action, greater ground contact times, greater center of mass displacement, and less efficient movement when the limb comes into contact with the ground. This combined with a reduction in medial quadriceps muscle activation may reflect poor kinetic chain control at the hip and an increase in knee injury risk.

The Effects of a 6-Week Neuromuscular Training Program on Quadriceps and Hamstring Muscle Activation During Side-Cutting in High School Female Athletes

The Effects of a 6-Week Neuromuscular Training Program on Quadriceps and Hamstring Muscle Activation During Side-Cutting in High School Female Athletes