Assessment of different leg distances and muscle activations in isometric lunge exercise

Authors

Özkol Mehmet Zeki, School of Physical Education and Sports, Ege University

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal foot distance in the isometric lunge exercise (IL) and to reveal its relationship with one repetition maximum (1-RM) squat. Twelve male athletes (Age: 22.50 ±1.98 years, Height:179.17 ± 2.21 cm, Body mass: 77.92 ± 4.75 kg) were participated in this study. Isometric lunge was applied to the participants in three different foot distance [leg length (LL), 70% of leg length (70% LL), 130% of leg length (130% LL)]. During these applications, ground reaction forces (vGRF) were measured by load cells from the front and back legs, and muscle activations were recorded by using the wireless EMG from the front leg. Vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) activities were recorded for these variations of lunge exercises. As a result of these measurements, the highest force data and the most effective muscle activation were determined in 70% LL. In terms of vGRF and EMG, there was significant differences between all variations of IL (p<0.005). There were also found significant differences between the VL and VM in the same variation of IL at third variation (p<0.005). These significant differences were also found for the BF and ST muscles at all IL (p<0.005). In conclusion, applied at 70% of LL, the force production of the front leg and the activation levels of the VM and VL muscles were higher than the other two applications. For the higher BF and ST, a 130% LL variation of ILs may also be recommended.

Keywords

resistance training, isometric force, 1-RM squat

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References

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