20th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Effects of Knee Extension Techniques on Vastus Medialis Activation
Catriona M. Swift
Dr. Michael Bird, Faculty Mentor
Vastus medialis (VM) muscle weakness often leads to pain and decreased stabilization of the knee among women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the knee extensor muscles between various hip and ankle positions used in rehabilitation exercises. Isometric muscle activity of the VM, vastus lateralis, and rectus femoris was measured on 33 active women. Two hip positions (medially or laterally rotated) and two ankle positions (plantarflexed or dorsiflexed) were evaluated. There was significantly less activity in the VM with the hip laterally rotated (p<0.05), whereas activity level did not change with the other three positions. Torque on the joint showed no significant differences between the three positions. Based on these results, rehabilitation is likely to be most effective with the hip in any position except laterally rotated.
Keywords: Vastus Medialis, Leg Position, Activation
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 21-1
Location: VH 1000
Time: 9:45 am