Electromyographic Analysis of the Peroneous Longus during Bicycle Ergometry across Work Load and Pedal Type

摘要

Lateral ankle injuries often result in residual disability. Increasing the endurance of the peroneous longus may reduce this problem. Bicycle ergometry may increase the endurance of the peroneous longus, but the activity of the peroneous longus during pedaling is not known. The purpose of this study was to analyze the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the peroneous longus across work load (1, 2, and 3 Kp) and pedal type (standard and medial support only) during pedaling. The analysis included total, peak, and phasic EMG activity per cycle. EMG activity was monitored with bipolar surface electrodes arranged in a longitudinal configuration over the motor points. The pedaling cycle was monitored with a photo electric cell and the gait cycle was monitored with a heel switch. Gait data were used to normalize the pedaling data. Data from nineteen muscles were collected from eleven subjects, all adult males. Results indicated that: (1) increasing work load significantly increases the total, peak, and phasic EMG activity; (2) modified pedals significantly increase the total, peak, and phasic EMG activity; (3) the interaction between work load and pedal type significantly increases the total and peak EMG activity; and (4) only pedaling with modified pedals results in EMG activity comparable to gait.