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Quantification of Global Myoelectric Spatial Activations to Delineate Normal Hamstring Function at Progressive
Bryan R Schlink1,2,3, Andrew D Nordin4, Jed A Diekfuss1,2,3
1Emory Sports Performance And Research Center (SPARC), Flowery Branch, Georgia.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|February 18, 2022
Summary
High-density electromyography (EMG) quantified hamstring muscle activation during running. Findings show consistent spatial hamstring recruitment patterns across speeds, aiding in return-to-play decisions for athletes.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics and Sports Medicine
- Neuromuscular Physiology
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Hamstring function is crucial for athletic performance, with biceps femoris strains frequently causing athletes to withdraw from competition.
- Current return-to-play (RTP) guidelines lack prognostic value due to technological and assessment limitations.
- Advanced rehabilitation requires integrated structural, functional, and dynamic assessment methods for safe and rapid RTP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the utility of high-density electromyography (EMG) for quantifying spatial myoelectric activations of the biceps femoris muscle.
- To delineate normal hamstring function across progressive running speeds using non-invasive EMG measurements.
- To explore potential applications for enhancing rehabilitation strategies and RTP decision-making in athletes with hamstring injuries.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-density EMG to measure spatial myoelectric activity from the biceps femoris muscle in recreational athletes.
- Recorded EMG data during running at a range of progressive speeds.
- Analyzed EMG amplitudes during the late swing phase of running, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
Main Results:
- Observed increased EMG amplitudes in the central and distal portions of the biceps femoris during the late swing phase of running.
- Demonstrated no significant changes in this spatial EMG activation pattern across different running speeds.
- Indicated that running speed does not alter the general neuromuscular recruitment strategy of the biceps femoris.
Conclusions:
- High-density EMG effectively quantifies spatial hamstring muscle activation during dynamic activities like running.
- Normal hamstring neuromuscular recruitment patterns remain consistent across various running speeds.
- These findings can inform more complete assessments of muscle function during rehabilitation, supporting RTP decisions for injured athletes.
