Date of Award

4-1998

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Health, Physical Education & Recreation

First Advisor

Dr. Mary Dawson

Second Advisor

Dr. Roger Zabik

Third Advisor

Dr. Patricia Frye

Fourth Advisor

Jane Baas

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The problem of the study was to compare electromyography (EMG) responses, ground reaction forces, and torques on female college-age dancers' knees in selected positions. Subjects were 18 female dancers, aged 18 to 30 years, with 6 subjects from each of three levels: Ballet Technique I, II, and III. The rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis were analyzed in a grande plie in three positions, (1) first, (2) fourth, and (3) fifth, with two phases: (1) eccentric, and (2) concentric. No differences in force or EMG data were found for the concentric phases of the three positions. Significant differences were found in the ground reaction forces and torque during the eccentric phase. During the eccentric phase, the EMG activity of the vastus lateralis and the rectus femoris were similar, and the EMG activity of the vastus medialis showed greater activity in the fifth position than in the first and fourth positions. The Technique I, II, and III groups had more similar than dissimilar EMG and force patterns. During the concentric phase, the EMG was similar for the three positions. Differences in forces found between the positions were related to the base of support area in the anterior/posterior directions. During the eccentric phase, the EMG activity of the rectus femoris and the vastus lateralis were similar for all positions, and the EMG activity of the vastus medialis showed greater activity in the fifth position than in the first and fourth positions

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