Journal of Physical Therapy Science
Online ISSN : 2187-5626
Print ISSN : 0915-5287
ISSN-L : 0915-5287
Original Article
Electromyographic activity of selected trunk, core, and thigh muscles in commonly used exercises for ACL rehabilitation
Omid A KhaiyatJessica Norris
Author information
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2018 Volume 30 Issue 4 Pages 642-648

Details
Abstract

[Purpose] Most of rehabilitation programmes for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury focus on quadriceps-hamstrings activation imbalances and less is known about kinetically linked muscles. This study investigated electromyographic activity of selected trunk, core, and thigh muscles during common rehabilitation exercises for ACL injury. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve active female volunteers participated in this cross-sectional laboratory study. Surface EMG was used to compare activation of eight trunk, hip/core, and lower limb muscles: Erector Spinae (ES), Rectus Abdominis (RA), Gluteus Maximus (GM), Vastus Lateralis (VL), Rectus Femoris (RF), Vastus Medialis (VM), Biceps Femoris (BF), and Semitendinosus (ST) during Forward Lunge, Double Leg Raise, Glute Bridge, Sit-Up, and Squat. [Results] Forward lunge produced significantly higher activation in the VM (61.1 ± 19.4), VL (59.2 ± 12.9), and RF (32.0 ± 2.6). Double leg raise generated highest activity in the RF (26.6 ± 2.8) and RA (43.3 ± 4.4); and Glute Bridge in the GM (44.5 ± 19.0) and BF (22.4 ± 4.3). Sit-up produced the highest activation in the RF (36.6 ± 4.7) followed by RA (18.9 ± 3.8). Squat produced a higher activation in VL (55.0 ± 12.9), VM (51.5 ± 18.2), and ES (40.4 ± 18.3). [Conclusion] This study provide further evidence for developing training programmes for ACL injury prevention and rehabilitation. A combination of exercises to reinstate quadriceps-hamstrings activation balance and enhance core stability is recommended.

Content from these authors
© 2018 by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (by-nc-nd) License.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top