Effect of quadriceps setting in different positions on muscle activity

Abstract

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of quadriceps setting in different positions on quadriceps femoris muscle activity. [Subjects and Methods] Ten healthy males performed single-leg quadriceps setting in the supine and prone positions. Single-leg quadriceps setting in the prone position was performed with the hip on the non-supported side either extended at 0° or maximally extended. Surface electromyography was used to measure the muscle activities of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis on the supported side during single-leg quadriceps setting. [Results] The activity of the rectus femoris muscle was significantly increased by single-leg quadriceps setting in the prone position with the hip maximally extended on the non-supported side. [Conclusion] The results suggest that performing single-leg quadriceps setting in the prone position with the hip maximally extended on the non-supported side increases the activity of the rectus femoris muscle on the supported side.