Abstract
[Purpose] This study applied the lunge exercise using a variety of foot wedge boards to analyze differences in the muscle activities of the vastus lateralis (VL) and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and the VMO/VL ratios. [Subjects] This study was performed on 20 asymptomatic males. [Methods] Surface electromyography measurements were obtained under 5 lunge exercise conditions. [Result] The EMG activity for the VL muscle significantly increased in the order of conditions as follows: anterior wedge < no wedge and medial wedge < lateral wedge and posterior wedge. The EMG activity for the VMO muscle significantly increased in the order of conditions as follows: anterior wedge < no wedge and lateral wedge < medial wedge and posterior wedge. The VMO/VL ratios under the medial wedge and posterior wedge conditions were significantly increased. [Conclusion] Use of medial and posterior wedge boards during the lunge exercise can selectively strengthen the VMO.
