Neuromuscular Compartmentalization of the Vastus Medialis Muscle: Comparison of the Activity of the Vastus Medialis Obliquus and the Vastus Medialis Longus by High Density Electromyography

Anatomical studies describe the vastus medialis (VM) as being subdivided into two morphologically distinct components, obliquus (VMO) and longus (VML). However, there are discrepancies regarding functional differentiation of these components. The aim this study was to compare levels activation VMO VML by high density surface electromyography. Twelve healthy young women (age: 21.4 ± 2.0 years; weight: 58.1 7.5 kg; height: 1.6 0.1 m), performed an open kinetic chain knee exercise during which EMG activity recorded with two- dimensional matrices 32 electrodes. exercises were three resistance (5, 10 15 % body weight (BW)), considering phases: concentric, isometric excentric. In phase had greater than (p<0.05). excentric phase, also showed BW levels, while in concentric only resistance. results indicated significant differences level components VM. This bears importance development intended achieve a or more selective VMO. sample subjected evaluation, recordings comparison VML, is important phases flexion/extension chain. These findings suggest compartmentalization