Vastus lateralis and medialis muscular activation during frontal and sagittal single-leg jumps in sportswomen.

Introduction

Differences in the lateral and medial portions from quadriceps muscular activation during the execution of the jump can become a neuromuscular risk factor raising knee dynamic valgus and increasing the risk for anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Objective

To determine the difference in the activation of the lateral and medial vastus using surface electromyography during single-leg jumps in the sagittal and frontal plane in female athletes. Materials and methods: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study. A total of 64 female athletes participated. We carried out anthropometric measurements, vertical and lateral single-leg jump tests with the evaluation of vastus medialis and lateral electromyographic activation during the tests and iliotibial band flexibility assessment.

Results

There was a statistically significant relationship (p≤0.05) between the body mass index, fat percentage, and vertical single-leg jump power. We also found statistical significance (p≤0.05), with greater activation of the lateral vastus in the right lower limb vertical jump and in the lateral jump in both lower limbs.

Conclusion

The athletes presented differences in quadriceps activation, showing higher lateral vastus activation in most of the single-leg jumps, both in the sagittal and frontal plane. This may increase the risk for suffering knee injuries during sports practice.