Plantar flexor muscle function in open and closed chain.

• In the present study, the torque or work produced during isometric, pure concentric and eccentric-concentric plantar flexions, performed in sitting, standing and prone were measured. The electromyographic (EMG) activity was measured from the soleus, gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior and rectus femoris muscles. The isometric tests showed the highest torques in the standing test. The rectus femoris and gastrocnemius activities were lower in the prone than in the standing test. The sitting test showed lower activities in all muscles of the lower leg compared with the standing test. No differences in work between the prone and sitting tests were found during the concentric phases. Higher rectus femoris activity in the eccentric-concentric test and lower activity in the triceps surae during the concentric phases were seen in the sitting compared with the prone test. We conclude that tests of overall functional ability should be performed in the standing position while specific tests of the plantar flexors should be performed in the prone position.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Ortopedi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Orthopaedics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adult

Ankle Joint

physiology

Electromyography

Female

Humans

Isometric Contraction

physiology

Muscle

Skeletal

physiology

Prone Position

Torque

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)