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.
Abstract. This study investigated minimal muscle strength on knee extension as well as muscle endurance required for independent walking. Seventy-seven elderly (29 males and 48 females, mean age: 81.3 years) participated in this study. Subjects were divided into two groups (the independent group and the dependent group) based on the Barthel index score. We measured muscle strength and muscle endurance on knee extension. Muscle endurance was evaluated using the 'sit-to-stand' test which measured the number of times the subject could rise from a chair within 30 sec. Muscle strength on knee extension was evaluated as a percentage of body weight, calculated from the maximal isometric strength of the knee extensors. The results showed a significant difference in muscle strength on knee extension and the number of repetitions on the 'sit-to-stand' test (p<.0l) between the independent group and the dependent group. The discriminating criterion for muscle strength on knee extension between the two groups was 45.5%, while the number of repetitions on the 'sit-to-stand' test was 5.6 times. This study suggested that the elderly may need to maintain their muscle strength on knee extension at 45.5% of their body weight and 'sit-to-stand' ability at 5.6 times/30 sec to retain their ability to walk independently.
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