Electromyographic Analysis of Thigh Muscles in PNF Patterns of the Lower Extremity: Muscle Activities in the Lengthened Range

抄録

The purpose of this study was to characterize the activity levels of the thigh muscles (Vastus medialis oblique muscle, VMO; Rectus Femoris muscle, RF; Vastus Lateralis muscle, VL; and Biceps Femoris muscle, BF) during 4 basic patterns of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques of the lower extremity with the knee straight. Ten healthy adult volunteers (5 men and 5 women, with a mean age of 21.7 ± 3.2 years) who were knowledgable about PNF patterns were involved in this study. Surface electromyography (Furusawa Labo) was performed and recorded by bipolar miniature silver-silver chloride electrodes, from which rectified filtered electromyograms (RFEMG) obtained. Each PNF pattern was examined under maximal isometric contraction against manual resistance in the lengthened range. Normalized data (%RFEMG) were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple comparison. The results allowed us to divide PNF patterns into two types: the type containing a flexor component, and that containing an extensor component. In the first type of PNF, %RFEMG was highest in RF > VL > VMO > BF and in second type of PNF, %RFEMG was highest in BF > VMO > VL > RF. RF was found to be primarily active in the first type of PNF, while BF was primarily involved in the second type of PNF. VMO tended to be involved in PNF patterns containing components of adduction and external rotation. VL activity did not differ significantly among PNF patterns.