EMG Analysis of Lower Extremity Muscles During Functional Movements

Primary Investigator: Carrie Meyer, EdD, ATC

Secondary Investigators: Gracie Jaeger and Julia Villani

INTRODUCTION RESULTS DISCUSSION

Background Literature The OHS scores were correlated with the right and left leg averages of the peak muscle Summary of findings
Previous literature supports the idea that the Functional Movement Screening (FMS) can activation level for the tibialis anterior (TA), vastus lateralis (VL), and biceps femoris (BF) A significant correlation existed between the OHS score and the TA Peak activation (p = .046).
accurately predict injury. 1-3 Research has shown that the average FMS composite score is (Table 1). OHS score was significantly correlated with the TA peak activation (Figure 3) and This would indicate that with a higher FMS score there is a higher muscle activation. However,
15.7 on a scale of 21 in a young, healthy population, ages 18-401, and a score of 14 or less non-significantly correlated with the VL and the BF (Table 2). if a participant could not perform a OHS they are placed on a board that elevated the heels
accurately predicts injury. 2 While a score of 14 is the standard measurement for injury risk, (Figure 4). This motion elongates the TA therefore changes the movement being analyzed.
an additional study found that a composite score below 17 has 4.7 times greater chance of The FMS in-line lunge (IIL) scores (right leg forward, left leg forward) were correlated with This difference is what caused the statistical significance of the TA. The VL and the BF had a
lower extremity injury. 3 The risk of injury is due to an individuals functional movement each individual peak muscle activation. The left leg back IIL was nonsignificant with the right negative nonsignificant correlation during the OHS. This is an area where further research
deficiency. If appropriate mobility and motor control is not utilized weaknesses and TA (r = 0.063, p = 0.760), right VL (r = -0.041, p = 0.842), right BF (r = -0.081, p = 0.694), left would be needed to understand this relationship. In addition, the correlation was
imbalances become noticeable. Therefore, a relationship between muscle activation and FMS TA (r = 0.186, p = 0.364), left VL (r = 0.181, p = 0.377) and left BF (r = -0.126, p = 0.539). The nonsignificant for both the front and back lunge leg for the TA, VL and BF. It should be noted
score should exist. However, there is limited research on the cause of the biomechanical right leg back IIL was nonsignificant with the right TA (r = -0.360, p = 0.071), right VL (r = - that during the right leg back IIL the TA was close to being significant (r = 0.63). Due to
abnormalities. A handful of studies have analyzed muscle activity, with an electromyography 0.200, p = 0.328), right BF (r = -0.214, p = 0.295), left TA (r = -0.099, p = 0.631), left VL (r = - insignificant results we rejected the hypothesis that a higher muscle activation would positively
(EMG), during functional movement, but there are none looking at muscle activation during a 0.129, p = 0.529), left BF (r = -0.167, p = 0.416). relate to a higher FMS score. Future research is needed to determined if studying the
FMS assessment. relationship between functional movement and level of muscle activation adds valuable
knowledge to the current literature.
Purpose
Mean Standard
This study analyzes the levels of muscle activation in the lower extremities during the FMS Implications of findings
overhead squat (OHS) and in-line lunge (IIL) to discover if there is a correlation between Deviation Research has shown that the FMS can predict injury in athletes3 but the OHS and IIL are too
muscle activity and an individuals functional movement scores. FMS Score 1.85 0.67 broad of a movements to isolate and investigate muscle activation. While there may be a
muscle deficiency causing the dysfunctional movement, it is had to see during a complex,
Tibialis Anterior 56.70 35.60
Hypothesis multi-point movement. Each joint movement should be isolated to see a potential muscular
Levels of muscle activation in the lower extremities will positively correlate with OHS and IIL Vastus Lateralis 96.31 56.26 deficiency. If this study is repeated in future research, more specific movements should be
scores. used to isolate the desired muscle to see if a correlation exists.
Biceps Femoris 79.49 101.06
METHODOLOGY Table 1: Overhead Squat Data Limitations
The main limitation of our study was our small population size. This was due to several factors
including equipment malfunctions and time constraints. If this study were to be repeated we
Subjects: would want to have more participants and participants with a wider variety of sports. Another
Tibialis Anterior Vastus Lateralis Biceps Femoris limitation was the uneven distribution of FMS scores with many 2s and few 1s and 3s. If this
26 club and varsity collegiate athletes (ages 18-22)
13 Females (Mean Age = 19.7, SD = 1.2) Average Average Average study would be repeated a larger variety of scores would be needed to see if a correlation
13 Males (Mean Age = 19.8, SD = 1.3) exists.
Figure 1 and 2 FMS Left r = 0.394 r = -0.095 r = -0.114
Exclusion criteria Lunge p = 0.046* p = 0.644 p = 0.578
Orthopedic injury withholding them from participation within the last six months
Orthopedic operation within the last year
Table 2: Overhead Squat Correlations
Study design: * Indicates statistical significance
Wave Wireless EMG
Six wireless electrode leds (tibialis anterior, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris)
Participates given instructions to perform a overhead squat and inline lunge for both left
250
and right leg. They performed each movement three times.3
Muscle Activation

Data analysis/statistical design: 200

Pearsons Correlation was used to determine the relationship between the participants best Figure 4: Overhead Squat Scoring Criteria
OHS or IIL socre with peak muscle activity 150
Positive Correlation Indicated

100 REFERENCES
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31% 23% Lacrosse
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Figure 3: Squat Tibialis Anterior Correlation normal subjects. Journal Of Physical Therapy Science
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Figure 1: Subject Age Figure 2: Sport

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 6. Chang-Hwan B, Yeon-Woo J, Jung-Ho L. Analysis of muscle activations in lower extremities
muscles at various angles of ankle flexion using wedges during static squat exercise. Journal Of
Thank you to Missy Thompson for all of her help with our data collection Physical Therapy Science