Activity of the Femoral Muscles during Toe-gripping Action

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 26; no. 10; pp. 1619 - 1621
• Main Authors: Soma, Masayuki, Murata, Shin, Kai, Yoshihiro, Nakae, Hideyuki, Satou, Yousuke
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 01.10.2014
• Subjects: Activity of muscle; Healthy females; Original; Toe-gripping strength; Healthy females; Activity of muscle; Toe-gripping strength
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.26.1619

[Purpose] In the present study, we investigated femoral muscle activity during toe-gripping, and the role of the femoral muscles in toe-gripping strength. [Subjects] Fourteen healthy young women were selected. [Methods] We measured the maximum voluntary contraction of the rectus femoris and long head of the biceps femoris muscles. We then calculated the percent integrated EMG (%IEMG) during the toe-gripping action. [Results] We found that the %IEMG of the biceps femoris was significantly higher than that of the rectus femoris. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between the %IEMG of the rectus femoris and that of the biceps femoris. [Conclusion] These results suggest that femoral muscles co-contract during the toe-gripping action, and thus possibly contribute to knee joint stability.