Changes in muscle activity with increasing running speed

Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the leg muscles and the ground reaction forces were recorded in 17 elite male middle-distance runners, who performed isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) as well as running at different speeds. Electromyograms were recorded from the gluteus maximus, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior. The results indicated that the averaged EMG (aEMG) activities of all the muscles studied increased (P < 0.05) with increasing running speed, especially in the pre-contact and braking phases. At higher speeds, the aEMG activities of the gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris and gluteus maximus exceeded 100% MVC in these same phases. These results suggest that maximal voluntary contractions cannot be used as an indicator of the full activation potential of human skeletal muscle. Furthermore, the present results suggest that increased pre-contact EMG potentiates the functional role of stretch reflexes, which subsequently increases tendomuscular stiffness and enhances force production in the braking and/or propulsive phases in running. Furthermore, a more powerful force production in the optimal direction for increasing running speed effectively requires increased EMG activity of the two-joint muscles (biceps femoris, rectus femoris and gastrocnemius) during the entire running cycle.     

Changes in muscle activity with increasing running speed

Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the leg muscles and the ground reaction forces were recorded in 17 elite male middle-distance runners, who performed isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) as well as running at different speeds. Electromyograms were recorded from the gluteus maximus, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior. The results indicated that the averaged EMG (aEMG) activities of all the muscles studied increased (P?<?0.05) with increasing running speed, especially in the pre-contact and braking phases. At higher speeds, the aEMG activities of the gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris and gluteus maximus exceeded 100% MVC in these same phases. These results suggest that maximal voluntary contractions cannot be used as an indicator of the full activation potential of human skeletal muscle. Furthermore, the present results suggest that increased pre-contact EMG potentiates the functional role of stretch reflexes, which subsequently increases tendomuscular stiffness and enhances force production in the braking and/or propulsive phases in running. Furthermore, a more powerful force production in the optimal direction for increasing running speed effectively requires increased EMG activity of the two-joint muscles (biceps femoris, rectus femoris and gastrocnemius) during the entire running cycle.     

三种深蹲动作模式肌电特征的研究

目的：对3种不同深蹲模式进行肌电测试,以期探讨不同模式下动作的合理性,为教学、训练提供一定的理论依据。方法：本文运用文献资料法、实验法和数理统计法对不同模式的肌电测试进行对比分析研究。结果：动作模式1与动作模式2相比,股内侧肌、股直肌、股外侧肌、臀大肌有非常显著性差异（P〈0.01）,股二头肌有显著性差异（P〈0.05）。动作模式1与动作模式3相比,股内侧肌、股直肌、股外侧肌、臀大肌有非常显著性差异（P〈0.01）,股二头肌有显著性差异（P〈0.05）。动作模式2与动作模式3相比,股内侧肌、臀大肌有非常显著性差异（P〈0.01）,股直肌、股外侧肌有显著性差异（P〈0.05）,股二头肌没有显著性差异（P〉0.05）。结论：3种不同模式深蹲动作的股外侧肌、股直肌、股内侧肌、股二头肌、臀大肌的积分肌电数值表现出显著性差异,动作模式3优于其它两种动作模式。在深蹲训练中强调臀部肌肉的主动收缩,才能更好的提高下肢力量的作用。     

Effects of forward trunk lean on hamstring muscle kinematics during sprinting

This study aimed to investigate the effects of forward trunk lean on hamstring muscle kinematics during sprinting. Eight male sprinters performed maximal-effort sprints in two trunk positions: forward lean and upright. A three-dimensional musculoskeletal model was used to compute the musculotendon lengths and velocity of the biceps femoris long head, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus muscles during the sprinting gait cycle. The musculotendon lengths of all the three hamstring muscles at foot strike and toe-off were significantly greater during the forward trunk lean sprint than during the upright trunk sprint. In addition, a positive peak musculotendon lengthening velocity was observed in the biceps femoris long head and semimembranosus muscles during the late stance phase, and musculotendon lengths at that instant were significantly greater during the forward trunk lean sprint than during the upright trunk sprint. The present study provides significant evidence that a potential for hamstring muscle strain injury involving forward trunk lean sprinting would exist during the stance phase. The results also indicate that the biceps femoris long head and semimembranosus muscles are stretched during forward trunk lean sprinting while contracting eccentrically in the late stance phase; thus, the elongation load on these muscles could be increased.     

Hamstring muscles’ function deficit during overground sprinting in track and field athletes with a history of strain injury

ABSTRACT

In this study, we aimed to clarify the characteristics of neuromuscular function, kinetics, and kinematics of the lower extremity during sprinting in track and field athletes with a history of strain injury. Ten male college sprinters with a history of unilateral hamstring injury performed maximum effort sprint on an athletic track. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the long head of the biceps femoris (BFlh) and gluteus maximus (Gmax) muscles and three-dimensional kinematic data were recorded. Bilateral comparisons were performed for the EMG activities, pelvic anterior tilt angle, hip and knee joint angles and torques, and the musculotendon length of BFlh. The activity of BFlh in the previously injured limb was significantly lower than that in the uninjured limb during the late-swing phase of sprinting (p < 0.05). However, the EMG activity of Gmax was not significantly different between the previously injured and uninjured limbs. Furthermore, during the late-swing phase, a significantly more flexed knee angle (p < 0.05) and a decrease in BFlh muscle length (p < 0.05) were noted in the injured limb. It was concluded that previously injured hamstring muscles demonstrate functional deficits during the late swing phase of sprinting in comparison with the uninjured contralateral muscles.     

Peak muscle activation, joint kinematics, and kinetics during elliptical and stepping movement pattern on a Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer

Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyography data were collected from the biceps femoris, rectus femoris (RF), gluteus maximus, and erector spinae (ES) during a step and elliptical exercise at a standardized workload with no hand use. Findings depicted 95% greater ankle plantar flexion (p = .01), 29% more knee extension (p = .003), 101% higher peak knee flexor moments (p < .001) 54% greater hip extensor moments (p < .001), 268% greater anterior joint reaction force (p = .009), 37% more RF activation (p < .001), and 200 % more ES activation (p <. 001) for the elliptical motion. Sixteen percent more hip flexion (p < .001), 42% higher knee extensor moments (p < .001), and 54% greater hip flexor moments (p = .041) occurred during the step motion. Biomechanical differences between motions should be considered when planning an exercise regimen.     

Lower limb muscle activity during table tennis strokes

This study aimed to compare the muscle activity of lower limbs across typical table tennis strokes. Fourteen high-level players participated in this study in which five typical strokes (backhand top, forehand top, forehand spin, forehand smash, flick) were analysed. Surface electromyography activity (EMG) of eight muscles was recorded (gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, soleus) and normalised to the maximal activity measured during squat jump or isometric maximal voluntary contractions. The forehand spin, the forehand top and the forehand smash exhibited significant higher EMG amplitude when compared with other strokes. Both biceps femoris and gluteus maximus were strongly activated during the smash, forehand spin and forehand top (from 62.8 to 91.7% of maximal EMG activity). Both vastii and rectus femoris were moderately to strongly activated during the forehand spin (from 50.4 to 62.2% of maximal EMG activity) whereas gastrocnemii and soleus exhibited the highest level of activity during the smash (from 67.1 to 92.1% of maximal EMG activity). Our study demonstrates that offensive strokes, such as smash or forehand top, exhibit higher levels of activity than other strokes.     

Functional differences in the activity of the hamstring muscles with increasing running speed

Abstract

In this study, we examined hamstring muscle activation at different running speeds to help better understand the functional characteristics of each hamstring muscle. Eight healthy male track and field athletes (20.1 ± 1.1 years) performed treadmill running at 50%, 75%, 85%, and 95% of their maximum velocity. Lower extremity kinematics of the hip and knee joint were calculated. The surface electromyographic activities of the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles were also recorded. Increasing the running speed from 85% to 95% significantly increased the activation of the hamstring muscles during the late swing phase, while lower extremity kinematics did not change significantly. During the middle swing phase, the activity of the semitendinosus muscle was significantly greater than that of the biceps femoris muscle at 75%, 85%, and 95% of running speed. Statistically significant differences in peak activation time were observed between the biceps femoris and semitendinosus during 95%max running (P < 0.05 for stance phase, P < 0.01 for late swing phase). Significant differences in the activation patterns between the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles were observed as running speed was increased, indicating that complex neuromuscular coordination patterns occurred during the running cycle at near maximum sprinting speeds.     

Relationship between the peak time of hamstring stretch and activation during sprinting

The purpose of this study was to investigate the time series relationships between the peak musculotendon length and electromyography (EMG) activation during overground sprinting to clarify the risk of muscle strain injury incidence in each hamstring muscle. Full-body kinematics and EMG of the right biceps femoris long head (BFlh) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles were recorded in 13 male sprinters during overground sprinting at maximum effort. The hamstring musculotendon lengths during sprinting were computed using a three-dimensional musculoskeletal model. The time of the peak musculotendon length, in terms of the percentage of the running gait cycle, was measured and compared with that of the peak EMG activity. The maximum length of the hamstring muscles was noted during the late swing phase of sprinting. The peak musculotendon length was synchronous with the peak EMG activation in the BFlh muscle, while the time of peak musculotendon length in the ST muscle occurred significantly later than the peak level of EMG activation (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the BFlh muscle is exposed to an instantaneous high tensile force during the late swing phase of sprinting, indicating a higher risk for muscle strain injury.     

Differences in hamstring activation characteristics between the acceleration and maximum-speed phases of sprinting

This study aimed to investigate activation characteristics of the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles during the acceleration and maximum-speed phases of sprinting. Lower-extremity kinematics and electromyographic (EMG) activities of the BFlh and ST muscles were examined during the acceleration sprint and maximum-speed sprint in 13 male sprinters during an overground sprinting. Differences in hamstring activation during each divided phases and in the hip and knee joint angles and torques at each time point of the sprinting gait cycle were determined between two sprints. During the early stance of the acceleration sprint, the hip extension torque was significantly greater than during the maximum-speed sprint, and the relative EMG activation of the BFlh muscle was significantly higher than that of the ST muscle. During the late stance and terminal mid-swing of maximum-speed sprint, the knee was more extended and a higher knee flexion moment was observed compared to the acceleration sprint, and the ST muscle showed higher activation than that of the BFlh. These results indicate that the functional demands of the medial and lateral hamstring muscles differ between two different sprint performances.     

短跑运动员股后肌群力量练习的下肢肌电特征分析

采用芬兰产Mega6000肌电仪和肌电仪器自带的Megawin2.4软件系统,让实验对象在做大腿后部肌群的力量练习手段如直腿后摆拉橡皮条、俯卧屈小腿拉橡皮条、俯卧后摆腿、俯卧跪起和仰卧挺髋力量练习手段的状态下,对实验对象的臀大肌、股二头肌、半腱半膜肌、腓肠肌内侧、阔筋膜张肌、股直肌和胫骨前肌进行肌电测试,并结合高速摄影技术分析肌电特征和肌肉的工作机制。结果表明,各块肌肉在力量练习过程中放电顺序、放电强度、放电时间、肌电积分值都不相同。因此,在力量训练时,应根据动作结构、肌肉收缩方式、收缩速度和力量大小等方面进行训练,使训练手段更能符合专项运动的规律。     

Muscle activity and pedal force profile of triathletes during cycling to exhaustion

The purpose of this study was to analyze pedaling cadence, pedal forces, and muscle activation of triathletes during cycling to exhaustion. Fourteen triathletes were assessed at the power output level relative to their maximal oxygen uptake (355 +/- 23 W). Cadence, pedal forces, and muscle activation were analyzed during start, middle, and end test stages. Normal and tangential forces increased from the start to the end of the test (-288 +/- 33 to -352 +/- 42 N and -79 +/- 45 to -124 +/- 68 N, respectively) accompanied by a decrease in cadence (96 +/- 5 to 86 +/- 6 rpm). Muscle activation increased from the start to the middle and the end in the gluteus maximus (27 +/- 5.5% and 76 +/- 9.3%) and in the vastus lateralis (13 +/- 3.5% and 27 +/- 4.4%), similar increase was observed from the start to the end in the rectus femoris and the vastus medialis (50 +/- 9.3% and 20 +/- 5.7%, respectively). Greater normal force along with enhanced activation of knee and hip extensor muscles is linked with fatigue and declines in cadence of triathletes during cycling to exhaustion.     

等速测试条件下摔跤滚桥技术的动力学、运动学及表面肌电特征

采用自主研发的摔跤滚桥测力系统结合定点摄像技术和表面肌电采集技术,对10名男子古典式摔跤一级运动员滚桥技术的动力学、运动学、表面肌电特征进行分析。结果显示:①滚桥技术的力量峰值出现在69°,运动员的滚桥技术峰值扭矩可达自身体质量的(2.11±0.64)倍。②右腹外斜肌和右臀大肌的肌肉激活持续时间最长,分别达5.83 s和5.94 s。③右股直肌、右腹外斜肌、右臀大肌分别在0~90°、0~120°、0~180°范围内做功水平显著高于对侧,左背阔肌在0~30°和120~180°范围内做功水平高于对侧。提示:①在滚桥技术初期,假人滚动的力量主要由双腿蹬伸迅速过渡到右腿侧向蹬伸用力、躯干右旋体位下左旋用力、左臂随躯干左旋方向提拉假人用力构成。②30°后,假人滚动的力量主要由右腿髋、膝关节伸展肌群和躯干左旋肌群收缩用力构成,在约69°时呈现滚桥技术峰值力量体位,此后滚桥力量持续减小。③120°后,假人滚动的力量主要由左肩伸展的拉动假人动作和右髋伸展的挺髋动作用力构成。     

Electromyographic analysis of lower limb muscles during the golf swing performed with three different clubs

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the EMG patterns of select lower limb muscles throughout the golf swing, performed with three different clubs, in non-elite middle-aged players. Fourteen golfers performed eight swings each using, in random order, a pitching wedge, 7-iron and 4-iron. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded bilaterally from lower limb muscles: tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, gastrocnemius medialis, gastrocnemius lateralis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, gluteus maximus, vastus medialis, rectus femoris and vastus lateralis. Three-dimensional high-speed video analysis was used to determine the golf swing phases. Results showed that, in average handicap golfers, the highest muscle activation levels occurred during the Forward Swing Phase, with the right semitendinosus and the right biceps femoris muscles producing the highest mean activation levels relative to maximal electromyography (70–76% and 68–73% EMG_MAX, respectively). Significant differences between the pitching wedge and the 4-iron club were found in the activation level of the left semitendinosus, right tibialis anterior, right peroneus longus, right vastus medialis, right rectus femuris and right gastrocnemius muscles. The lower limb muscles showed, in most cases and phases, higher mean values of activation on electromyography when golfers performed shots with a 4-iron club.     

Muscle activation sequencing of leg muscles during linear glide shot putting

In the shot put, the athlete’s muscles are responsible for generating the impulses to move the athlete and project the shot into the air. Information on phasic muscle activity is lacking for the glide shot put event and therefore important technical information for coaches is not currently available. This study provides an electromyography (EMG) analysis of the muscle activity of the legs during shot put. Fifteen right-handed Irish national level shot putters performed six maximum effort throws using the glide shot put technique. EMG records of eight bilateral lower limb muscles (rectus femoris, biceps femoris, medial- and lateral-gastrocnemius) were obtained during trials. Analysis using smooth EMG linear envelopes revealed patterns of muscle activity across the phases of the throw and compare men and women performers. The results showed that the preferred leg rectus femoris, the preferred leg biceps femoris and the non-preferred leg biceps femoris play important roles in the glide technique, with the total duration of high volumes of activity between 34 and 53% of the throw cycle. A comprehensive understanding of movement and muscle activation patterns for coaches could be helpful to facilitate optimal technique throughout each of the key phases of the event.     

Effects of muscle-tendon length on joint moment and power during sprint starts

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of muscle-tendon length on joint moment and power during maximal sprint starts. Nine male sprinters performed maximal sprint starts from the blocks that were adjusted either to 40 degrees or 65 degrees to the horizontal. Ground reaction forces were recorded at 833 Hz using a force platform and kinematic data were recorded at 200 Hz with a film camera. Joint moments and powers were analysed using kinematic and kinetic data. Muscle - tendon lengths of the medial gastrocnemius, soleus, vastus medialis, rectus femoris and biceps femoris were calculated from the set position to the end of the first single leg contact. The results indicated that block velocity (the horizontal velocity of centre of mass at the end of the block phase) was greater (P < 0.01) in the 40 degrees than in the 65 degrees block angle condition (3.39 +/- 0.23 vs. 3.30 +/- 0.21 m . s(-1)). Similarly, the initial lengths of the gastrocnemius and soleus of the front leg in the block at the beginning of force production until half way through the block phase were longer (P < 0.001) in the 40 degrees than in the 65 degrees block angle condition. The initial length and the length in the middle of the block phase were also longer in the 40 degrees than in the 65 degrees block angle condition both for both the gastrocnemius (P < 0.01) and soleus (P < 0.01-0.05) of the rear leg. In contrast, the initial lengths of the rectus femoris and vastus medialis of the front leg were longer (P < 0.05) in the 65 degrees than in the 40 degrees block angle condition. All differences gradually disappeared during the later block phase. The peak ankle joint moment (P < 0.01) and power (P < 0.05) during the block phase were greater in the 40 degrees than in the 65 degrees block angle condition for the rear leg. The peak ankle joint moment during the block phase was greater (P < 0.05) in the 40 degrees block angle for the front leg, whereas the peak knee joint moment of the rear leg was greater (P < 0.01) in the 65 degrees block angle condition. The results suggest that the longer initial muscle-tendon lengths of the gastrocnemius and soleus in the block phase at the beginning of force production contribute to the greater peak ankle joint moment and power and consequently the greater block velocity during the sprint start.     

优秀男子排球运动员交叉步技术的肌电学研究

目的：采用表面肌电技术,分析运动员在不同的横向移动速度下相关指标的变化特点,探寻影响提高速度的主要因素,为日常训练提供科学依据,进而达到提高运动成绩的目的。对象：国家男排副攻手5人,均为备战奥运会、且由地方各省队挑选出来的优秀运动队员。方法：采用表面肌电测试,研究不同运动员在多次横向移动过程中各项肌电指标的变化特点。以多次横向移动为研究变量,运动员完全模拟比赛情况进行移动,采集身体双侧腹外斜肌、臀大肌、臀中肌、股内侧肌、股二头肌、内收肌、胫骨前肌和腓肠肌的肌电信号进行分析。主要研究结果：（1）运动快时与运动慢时单位时间内积分肌电值的对比结果表明：准备阶段臀中肌、摆动阶段臀大肌和蹬地阶段内收肌,快时的单位时间内积分肌电值低于慢时。反映出这些肌肉的适当放松可以使原动肌更加充分的收缩,说明日常训练中对肌肉的专项训练应＂有的放矢＂地进行。（2）运动快时与运动慢时肌肉贡献率的对比结果表明：准备阶段腓肠肌、股内肌、股二头肌、臀大肌;摆动阶段胫骨前肌、臀中肌;蹬地阶段腓肠肌、股内肌在完成各阶段过程中的贡献率明显高于其它肌肉,说明这些肌肉为完成动作的主要原动肌。（3）各队员训练背景差异较大,一些队员的技术动作存在一定错误。应参考科学的肌肉动员顺序使技术动作合理化,提高运动效果。     

基于人机工效学的健身动感单车鞍座高度设计研究

选取武汉体育学院普通男大学生11名,采用Vicon三维动作捕捉系统并结合表面肌电测试对受试者在不同的鞍座高度下骑行的运动学和肌肉力学指标进行同步采集,使用配对样本T检验分析比较不同高度骑行差异。结果：（1）膝关节活动范围在不同座高下呈显著变化,踝关节出现一定程度的变化,但个体差异较大。（2）鞍座高度增加,髋关节相对力矩下降,且90%座高与95%和100%座高相比存在显著性的差异（P<0.05）;膝关节相对力矩呈现出类似的变化且不同座高下存在显著差异（P<0.05）。（3）不同座高下,肌肉的放电量出现变化,但均无显著性差异（P>0.05）。其中股二头肌和胫前肌则是在95%座高时放电量达到最低。（4）随着鞍座高度的增加,髋关节和膝关节在90%、95%、100%大转子高的座高下相互之间均存在显著性的差异（P<0.05）,踝关节的角速度在90%与100%座高相比和95%与100%座高相比时差异明显（P<0.05）。结论：95%大转子高时,股二头肌和胫前肌的放电量最小,股直肌、股外侧肌和腓肠肌的放电量处于中间值,膝关节力矩和活动范围也处于中间值。选取95%大转子高的鞍座高度更利于骑行者的骑行。     

Acute changes in kinematic and muscle activity patterns in habitually shod rearfoot strikers while running barefoot

The aim of this study was to observe changes in the kinematics and muscle activities when barefoot running was initially adopted by six habitually shod, recreational rearfoot striking runners. Participants ran on a treadmill shod for 5 min, completed 3 × 10-min intervals of barefoot running and then completed a final minute of shod running at a self-selected pace. Dependent variables (speed, joint angles at foot-contact, joint range of motion (ROM), mean and peak electromyography (EMG) activity) were compared across conditions using repeated measures ANOVAs. Anterior pelvic tilt and hip flexion significantly decreased during barefoot conditions at foot contact. The ROM for the trunk, pelvis, knee and ankle angles decreased during the barefoot conditions. Mean EMG activity was reduced for biceps femoris, gastrocnemius lateralis and tibialis anterior during barefoot running. The peak activity across the running cycle decreased in biceps femoris, vastus medialis, gastrocnemius medialis and tibialis anterior during barefoot running. During barefoot running, tibialis anterior activity significantly decreased during the pre-activation and initial contact phases; gastrocnemius lateralis and medialis activity significantly decreased during the push-off phase. Barefoot running caused immediate biomechanical and neuromuscular adaptations at the hip and pelvis, which persisted when the runners donned their shoes, indicating that some learning had occurred during an initial short bout of barefoot running.     

Muscle force characteristics of male and female collegiate cross-country runners during overground running

ABSTRACT

Males and females demonstrate unique running mechanics that may contribute to sex-related differences in common running related injuries. Understanding differences in muscle forces during running may inform intervention approaches, such as gait retraining addressing muscle force distribution. The purpose of this study was to compare muscle force characteristics and inter-trial variability between males and females during running. Twenty female and 14 male collegiate cross-country runners were examined. Three-dimensional kinetic and kinematic data were collected during overground running and used to estimate muscle forces via musculoskeletal modelling. Principle components analysis was used to capture the primary sources of variance from the muscle force waveforms. The magnitude of the forces for the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles were higher across the majority of stance in male runners regardless of footstrike pattern. Males also demonstrated greater inter-trial variability in the timing of the peak gluteus maximus force and the magnitude of local peaks in the gastrocnemius force waveform. Male and female collegiate cross-country runners appear to employ unique lower extremity muscle force characteristics during overground running.