ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC (EMG) ACTIVITY OF LOWER EXTREMITY MUSCULATURE DURING DROP JUMPING FROM DIFFERENT HEIGHTS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine EMG activation patterns of the lower extremity musculature during drop jumping from different heights. Ten subjects participated in the study. EMG activity of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemious muscles as well as ground reaction forces were simultaneously recorded during drop jumping from 20, 30, and 40cm. Sagittal video data were also recorded and synchronized to the analog data. Results show similar jump height and EMG activation patterns for the 20 and 40cm drop jumps, but not for the 60cm. It was concluded that activation patterns of the lower extremity musculature varies when the drop height exceeds certain limits. The activation pattern of gastrocnemious deviated from the one described in the literature