Comparison of isometric quadriceps setting techniques: An electromyographic study

Many methods of quadriceps setting are used for the treatment of early lower extremity rehabilitation, although differences between these methods have not been examined. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences exist within the quadriceps femoris muscle group while performing three different techniques of quadriceps setting exercises. Fifteen health subjects were examined using surface electromyography. No differences were found between the three techniques, nor was there an interaction between the quadriceps setting technique and the individual quadriceps femoris muscles. Significant difference were found in the EMG activity of the vastus medialis and rectus femoris and in the vastus lateralis and the rectus femoris. The vastus medialis and vastus lateralis showed the greatest EMG activity for all three techniques. While previous research emphasized the use of quadriceps setting for the selective strengthening of the vastus medialis, our study found that quadriceps setting may be more effective for general strengthening of the entire quadriceps femoris muscle group