Neuromuscular efficiency of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Abstract

ObjectiveTo analyze strength and integrated electromyography (IEMG) data in order to determine the neuromuscular efficiency (NME) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, during the preoperative and postoperative periods; and to compare the injured limb at these two times, using the non-operated limb as a control.MethodsEMG data and BF and VL strength data were collected during three maximum isometric contractions in knee flexion and extension movements. The assessment protocol was applied before the operation and two months after the operation, and the NME of the BF and VL muscles was obtained.ResultsThere was no difference in the NME of the VL muscle from before to after the operation. On the other hand, the NME of the BF in the non-operated limb was found to have increased, two months after the surgery.ConclusionsThe NME provides a good estimate of muscle function because it is directly related to muscle strength and capacity for activation. However, the results indicated that two months after the ACL reconstruction procedure, at the time when loading in the open kinetic chain within rehabilitation protocols is usually started, the neuromuscular efficiency of the VL and BF had still not been reestablished.

Difference of neuromuscular responses by additional loads during plyometric jump

“…NME is defined as a ratio of joint moment to muscle activation and is known as an effective variable to evaluate neuromuscular function (Aragão et al, 2015; Bradbury-Squires et al, 2015; Tesch et al, 1990). This variable can be considered as an ability to generate a joint moment in relation to muscle activation.…”

“…NME was defined as the ratio of joint moment to muscle activation (Aragão et al, 2015). NME was calculated by the equation; NME=∑work (torque)/∑muscle activation.…”

Effect of a 6-week strength-training program on neuromuscular efficiency in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

“…Neuromuscular efficiency could be quantified as the ratio of produced force to the amplitude of the bioelectric signals of the muscles [8]. The amplitude of the bioelectric activity of the muscles can be assessed by surface electromyography (SEMG) signals, which reflect the peripheral and central strategies of neuromuscular systems, particularly during muscle contraction and force production [9].…”

“…The correlation between force and SEMG signals refers to neuromuscular system expenditures during force generation and movement [10]. Some musculoskeletal diseases including osteoarthritis [11], chronic neck pain [12], anterior cruciate ligament injury [8], or fatigue [13] or even aging [14] may lead to neuromuscular system deficiencies. Decreased efficiency of the neuromuscular system in elderly individuals results in impaired locomotion and physical disability [15].…”

Neuromuscular efficiency of the multifidus muscle in pilates practitioners and non-practitioners

“…9,10 It is calculated as follows: the torque peak value divided by the EMG signal value during maximal isometric contraction. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] The higher the torque value and the lower the EMG value, the better the NME. 9 The aim of this study was to evaluate NME of the multifidus muscle through EMG analysis and torque test, applied to practitioners and nonpractitioners (control) of Pilates.…”