Effects of Knee and Foot Position on EMG Activity and Ratio of the Vastus Medialis Oblique and Vastus Lateralis during Squat Exercise

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine EMG activities and VMO/VL ratio of the vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, and rectus femoris during squat exercise (knee angle: 15, 45, and 60 degrees; tibial rotation: internal rotation, neutral, and external rotation). Methods: Twelve subjects performed squat exercise at each knee angle and tibial rotation while electromyographic (EMG) activity was collected. Statistical analysis consisted of two-way repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc analysis. Results: There were significant main effects of knee angles and foot positions and interaction effect on EMG activities of vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis. VMO/VL ratios were significantly different by tibial rotations and there was an interaction effect. A neutral position produced significantly more VMO/VL activity ratio than that from internally rotated position and externally rotated position at 60 degrees. Conclusion: Considering the interaction effects for EMG activity across quadriceps muscles tested, the 60 degrees knee angle with a neutral foot position may provide the most effective condition for patients with acute patellofemoral syndrome.