Electromyographic activity of selected trunk, core, and thigh muscles in commonly used exercises for ACL rehabilitation.
Omid A Khaiyat, Jessica Norris
PMID 29706723WHAT IT FOUND
Forward lunges and squats activated quadriceps most, while glute bridges activated hamstrings and glutes; sit-ups and double leg raises activated abdominals.
These are healthy female muscle-activation comparisons, not ACL outcome evidence.
Key findings
01Squat and forward lunge produced higher vastus lateralis activation than the double leg raise, glute bridge, and sit-up.
02Glute bridge and forward lunge produced higher biceps femoris activation than the double leg raise and sit-up.
03Sit-up and double leg raise produced higher rectus abdominis activation than forward lunge, glute bridge, and squat.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The participants were twelve healthy, physically active females with no lower-limb or back problems, so the results may not apply to people with ACL injury or reconstruction. The study measured muscle activation only, not strength, function, pain, return to sport, or re-injury. Each exercise was performed in one specified form and plane, with squat and lunge limited to 90 degrees of knee flexion, so changes in technique could alter activation. The authors noted that only two exercises were included for true rectus abdominis activity. The authors noted that clinical outcome studies are still needed before these exercises can be supported as effective ACL rehabilitation.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read these activation differences as proof that the exercises improve ACL rehabilitation outcomes. The study measured muscle activity in twelve healthy females, not patients with ACL injury or reconstructed ACL.