Related Experiment Videos
Knee load and muscle activity during exercises in rising
Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. Supplement
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Rising exercises increase knee extensor strength, particularly at larger knee angles. Quadriceps muscles show high activation during these movements, while hamstrings and gastrocnemius remain less active.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Kinesiology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Understanding knee joint loading and muscle activation during rising exercises is crucial for optimizing training and rehabilitation.
- Previous methods for evaluating these parameters have been developed, but further analysis of specific exercise mechanics is warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate knee joint loading and quadriceps femoris muscle activation during rising exercises.
- To determine the relationship between knee angle, joint loading, and muscle activity.
- To map the changes in knee extension resistance with adaptive exercise device adjustments.
Main Methods:
- Floor-to-foot forces were measured using a force-measuring platform.
- Knee joint loading moments were calculated based on recorded forces.
- Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess the activity levels of knee muscles, including quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius.
Main Results:
- The knee joint loading moment was highest at large knee angles (deep flexion) and decreased significantly as knee angles became smaller.
- Quadriceps muscle activity was high at large knee angles and diminished at smaller angles.
- Hamstrings and gastrocnemius muscles exhibited consistently low activity levels throughout the exercises.
Conclusions:
- Rising exercises effectively enhance knee extensor strength, primarily at larger knee angles.
- The quadriceps femoris muscle group is the main contributor to strength gains during these exercises.
- The findings provide insights into exercise modifications for targeted strength development in the knee extensors.