The effect of movement velocity and movement pattern on the reciprocal co-activation of the hamstrings.

Full Abstract

The effect of velocity and movement pattern (reciprocal vs. non-reciprocal) on the reciprocal co-activation of the hamstrings was investigated through analysis of the root mean square (RMS) and the median frequency (MDF) of surface electromyography (SEMG). Fourteen subjects performed six continuous repetitions of a reciprocal isokinetic movement pattern (maximal extension followed by maximal flexion), and six continuous repetitions of a non-reciprocal movement pattern (maximal extension only) at 100 degrees, 200 degrees, 300 degrees s-1, and 400 degrees s-1. Data were analyzed using separate 2 x 4 (movement pattern x angular velocity) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were noted between reciprocal and non-reciprocal movement patterns for RMS. However, results did reveal a velocity effect for RMS (F = 5.0, p < 0.01), with significant differences observed between 100 degrees s-1 and 400 degrees s-1 (F = 9.4, p < 0.01), 200 degrees s-1 and 400 degrees s-1 (F = 9.5, p < 0.01), and 300 degrees s-1 and 400 degrees s-1 (F = 11.0, p < 0.001), with RMS values at 400 degrees s-1 being the highest. There was also a velocity effect for MDF (F = 8.03, p < 0.001), with significant differences observed between 100 degrees s-1 and 300 degrees s-1 (F = 4.2, p < 0.05), 100 degrees s-1 and 400 degrees s-1 (F = 20.2, p < 0.0001), 200 degrees s-1 and 400 degrees s-1 (F = 15.221, p < 0.001), and 300 degrees s-1 and 400 degrees s-1 (F = 5.9, p < 0.01). In all cases the highest MDF values were exhibited at the lower velocities. Lastly, there was an interaction effect when comparing movement patterns at 400 degrees s-1, with MDF values being significantly higher during the non-reciprocal movement pattern than during the reciprocal movement pattern (F = 10.9, p < 0.01). Results indicated that during isokinetic movements, RMS and MDF activity of the hamstrings are altered as velocity changes. More specifically, as velocity increases overall hamstrings' co-activation increases and there is a shift in the power spectrum toward the recruitment of slower-twitch muscle fibers. Results also indicate that movement pattern (reciprocal vs. non reciprocal) does not effect appreciably SEMG activity of hamstrings' co-contraction.

Author information

Author/s: Croce, R V (RV); Miller, J P (JP);

Affiliation: Motor Control and Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire, USA. rvc(-atsign-)cisuaix.unk.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article

Journal: Electromyography and clinical neurophysiology (Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol), published in Belgium. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Dec; vol 43 (issue 8) : pp 451-8

Dates: Created 2004/01/13; Completed 2004/02/27; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 14717025, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.