Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of leg flexion angle on the relationship between mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and isometric torque production. Adult males (n = 9) performed isometric muscle actions of the leg extensors at 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) on a calibrated CYBEX 6000 dynamometer at 25, 50, and 75° below full extension. A piezoelectric MMG recording device was placed over the mid-portion of the rectus femoris. At 25° of leg flexion, the MMG amplitude increased to 100%MVC. At 50 and 75° of leg flexion, however, MMG amplitude increased to 75%MVC, and then did not change significantly (P > 0.05) between 75 and 100%MVC. These findings indicate that the MMG amplitude-isometric torque relationship is joint angle specific and may be the result of leg flexion angle differences in: (1) muscle stiffness, or (2) motor unit activation strategies.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Accepted: 2 March 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ebersole, K., Housh, T., Johnson, G. et al. The effect of leg flexion angle on the mechanomyographic responses to isometric muscle actions. Eur J Appl Physiol 78, 264–269 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050418
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004210050418