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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Subject-specific Musculoskeletal Model for Studying Bone Strain During Dynamic Motion

Subject-specific Musculoskeletal Model for Studying Bone Strain During Dynamic Motion

Published on: April 11, 2018

Leg and joint stiffness in human hopping.

S Kuitunen¹, K Ogiso, P V Komi

¹Neuromuscular Research Center, Department of Biology of Physical Activity, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland. sami.kuitunen@hotmail.com

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports

|December 1, 2011

Summary

Leg and joint stiffness regulation during hopping is primarily controlled by central motor commands, not stretch reflexes. Knee joint stiffness increases with hopping intensity to enhance jumping height.

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Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Human Movement Science
Exercise Physiology

Background:

Understanding how the human body adjusts leg and joint stiffness during locomotion is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing injuries.
Hopping, a common mode of locomotion, involves complex interactions between muscles, tendons, and joints to manage ground reaction forces and maintain stability.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the regulation of leg and joint stiffness during hopping across different intensity levels.
To determine the influence of hopping intensity on joint-specific stiffness (ankle and knee) and overall leg stiffness.
To examine the role of electromyography (EMG) and stretch reflexes in modulating stiffness during hopping.

Main Methods:

Eight male subjects performed bilateral hopping at varying intensities, defined by peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF).
Measurements included GRF, hopping kinematics, and EMG activity of selected leg muscles.
Analysis focused on changes in leg, ankle, and knee joint stiffness, as well as muscle activation patterns and stretch reflex responses.

Main Results:

Leg and ankle joint stiffness remained constant across different hopping intensities.
Knee joint stiffness significantly increased with higher hopping intensities (P<0.01).
Average EMG activity increased in all measured muscles with intensity, but only the vastus lateralis showed a significant increase in stretch reflex EMG (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

Leg stiffness modulation in hopping is influenced by ankle joint stiffness, while knee joint stiffness regulates jumping performance.
Hopping stiffness adjustments are primarily driven by central motor commands, with muscle-dependent contributions from stretch reflexes.
These findings highlight the distinct roles of different joints and neural control mechanisms in regulating hopping mechanics at varying intensities.