Timing of Muscle Activation in Knee Pain
Author Information
Author(s): Chester Rachel, Smith Toby O, Sweeting David, Dixon John, Wood Sarah, Song Fujian
Primary Institution: University of East Anglia
Hypothesis
Is there a delay in the recruitment of the vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO) relative to the vastus lateralis muscle (VL) in individuals with anterior knee pain compared to asymptomatic individuals?
Conclusion
There is a trend towards a delayed onset of VMO relative to VL in those with anterior knee pain, but findings are subject to significant variability.
Supporting Evidence
- Fourteen studies were included in the review, with a total of 322 AKP subjects and 341 controls.
- Eleven studies compared VMO and VL onset times during voluntary tasks, while four investigated reflex response times.
- A trend was identified towards a delay in VMO activation relative to VL in the AKP population.
- Significant heterogeneity was observed across studies, indicating variability in results.
Takeaway
People with knee pain might have their VMO muscle activate later than the VL muscle, but this isn't the same for everyone.
Methodology
A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing EMG onset timing of VMO and VL in individuals with anterior knee pain versus asymptomatic controls.
Potential Biases
Potential for examiner bias due to lack of blinding and convenience sampling methods.
Limitations
Substantial heterogeneity in results and insufficient data in some studies limited the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 322 individuals with anterior knee pain and 341 asymptomatic controls, primarily under 45 years of age.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 3.8 ms to 31.6 ms
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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