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Neuromuscular Strategies in Stretch–Shortening Exercises with Increasing Drop Heights: The Role of Muscle Coactivation in Leg Stiffness and Power Propulsion

Author

Listed:
  • Riccardo Di Giminiani

    (Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Aldo Giovannelli

    (Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Lorenzo Capuano

    (Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

  • Pascal Izzicupo

    (Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Andrea Di Blasio

    (Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Francesco Masedu

    (Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy)

Abstract

When applying drop jump exercises, knowing the magnitude of the stimulus is fundamental to stabilize the leg joints and to generate movements with the highest power. The effects of different drop heights on leg muscles coactivation, leg stiffness and power propulsion were investigated in fifteen sport science students. Drop jumps from heights of 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm in a random order were performed on a force platform. During each drop jump, the ground reaction force, knee angle displacement, and synchronized surface-electromyography root-mean-square (sEMG RMS ) activity (vastus lateralis, VL; vastus medialis, VM; rectus femoris, RF; biceps femoris, BF; tibialis anterior, TA and lateral gastrocnemius, LG) were recorded. The coactivation in the pre-contact phase, between VL and BF, VM and BF as well as RF and BF, was dependent on the drop height ( p < 0.01; effect size (ES) ranged from 0.45 to 0.90). Leg stiffness was dependent on the drop height ( p < 0.001; ES = 0.27–0.28) and was modulated by the coactivation of VM–BF ( p = 0.034) and RF–BF ( p = 0.046) during the braking phase. Power propulsion was also dependent on the drop height ( p < 0.001; ES = 0.34); however, it was primarily modulated by the coactivation of LG–TA during the braking phase ( p = 0.002). The coactivation of thigh muscles explains leg stiffness adjustments at different drop heights. On the contrary, the coactivation of shank muscles is mostly responsible for the power propulsion.

Suggested Citation

  • Riccardo Di Giminiani & Aldo Giovannelli & Lorenzo Capuano & Pascal Izzicupo & Andrea Di Blasio & Francesco Masedu, 2020. "Neuromuscular Strategies in Stretch–Shortening Exercises with Increasing Drop Heights: The Role of Muscle Coactivation in Leg Stiffness and Power Propulsion," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-15, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:22:p:8647-:d:448702
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nazatul Izzati Jamaludin & Farhah Nadhirah Aiman Sahabuddin & Raja Khairul Mustaqim Raja Ahmad Najib & Muhamad Lutfi Hanif Shamshul Bahari & Shazlin Shaharudin, 2020. "Bottom-Up Kinetic Chain in Drop Landing among University Athletes with Normal Dynamic Knee Valgus," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-10, June.
    2. Isaac Estevan & Gonzalo Monfort-Torres & Roman Farana & David Zahradnik & Daniel Jandacka & Xavier García-Massó, 2020. "Children’s Single-Leg Landing Movement Capability Analysis According to the Type of Sport Practiced," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-15, September.
    3. Krzysztof Mackala & Samo Rauter & Jozef Simenko & Robi Kreft & Jacek Stodolka & Jozef Krizaj & Milan Coh & Janez Vodicar, 2020. "The Effect of Height on Drop Jumps in Relation to Somatic Parameters and Landing Kinetics," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-11, August.
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