Kinesiology, Vol. 33. No. 2., 2001.
Original scientific paper
The functions of the lower extremity muscles during the double-leg push-off
Grega Hočevar
; Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Vojko Strojnik
; Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to reveal the general (agonistic/antagonistic) functions of the lower extremity muscles during the double leg push off in a horizontal lying position. These muscles were vastus lateralis, vastus medialis (VAS), gluteus maximus (GLU), biceps femoris (BF), rectus femoris (RF), soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius (GAS). One male athlete participated in the study. He performed 5 push-offs in 3 different starting positions. The kinematic trajectories were measured. The mathematical model of the human body was applied, the six muscular forces being the outer variables determining the action. The functions have been defined according to the partial derivative of the front surface force with respect to muscles’ forces, that followed the Lagrange- Euler equations, describing the motion of the model. Comparing the values of how much muscles can affect movement, it is possible to set the criterion of motor control sensitivity, which defines the ultimate limit of a large range of starting positions, for which the general, close-to-optimal muscle coordination pattern enables performance with almost negligible reduction in the performance.
Keywords
muscle activation; coordination; agonist; push-off; motor control
Hrčak ID:
225196
URI
Publication date:
1.12.2001.
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