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.
Carlsson
U
U
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Göteborg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden.
Lind
K
K
Möller
M
M
Karlsson
J
J
Svantesson
U
U
D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D016684:Prone Position; D019415:Torque