Intralimb joint coordination of the lower extremities in resistance training exercises

To facilitate the greatest transfer of improvements to athletic performance or daily activity, the resistance training exercises employed by athletic or recreationally trained individuals must be selected considering biomechanical similarity to meet the specific demands of their sport or activity. The purpose of this study was to compare intralimb joint coordination in eight experienced lifters performing three conventional strength-training exercises: the forward lunge, the dead lift, and the forward step-up. Lower-extremity angular displacement curves, maximum joint excursions, and mean absolute relative phases were determined. Results revealed general in-phase, interjoint relationships while comparing exercises. Forward lunge interjoint relationships were more out-of-phase when compared with the other two exercises. It is suggested that in-phase coordination was the predominant pattern employed while performing the closed kinetic chain exercises normally used in strength training, in particular for knee-hip relationship. Nevertheless the forward component of movement can change the coordination strategy when performing lunges.