ANALYSIS OF THE MUSCULAR INTERVENTION IN A BALLISTIC STRECHING EXERCISE BASED ON THE ANGULAR ACCELERATION AND EMG DATA

Abstract

The aim of stretching exercises is to increase muscle-tendon flexibility which depends on neurogenic (stretch reflex), myogenic (viscoeiasticity of the musculo-tendinous structures) and joint constraints (Taylor et al. 1990; 1997). Among the other common techniques (passive, static and PNF) ballistic stretching is using the momentum of a moving body or a limb to force it beyond its normal range of motion. However, in spite of the exciting concerns of stretching neuromechanics, as well as, the overestimation of the role of connective tissue and the underestimation of the resistance of the muscles to stretch (Hutton, 1992), there is a lack of studies concerning the muscular activity in ballistic stretching. The main purpose of this study was to determine the intervention of the muscles quadriceps femoris (rectus femoris - vastus medialis) and biceps femoris and its relationship with the kinematics of the hip joint during a common ballistic stretching exercise.