FMS: Relationship between muscul activity in deep squat ans trunk stability pushup
Authors: Kraus. Kornelius 
Published: May 2017

Aims and Objectives:

Motor control is described as the internal control and regulation processes which facilitate movements. Scientists divide motor control into the function of stability and the movement to maintain balance in locomotion. The FMS is used to analyze the motor behavior of muscle slings on the one hand, and to estimate injury risk on the other hand. Yet, the true extent of the FMS’ diagnostic information remains unclear. The low intensity level of the FMS items causes low tension within the motor network. Based on Hennemen’s size principle, this is a clear indicator for the activation of slow-twitch fibers in the muscle. A possible relationship between movement and stability function of muscle slings has yet to be examined. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to shed light on the motor behavior of dynamic and isometric muscle activity as well as the examination of average muscle activity when performing the items deep squat (DS) and trunk stability pushup (TSPU).

Materials and Methods:

Data from 16 collegiate athletes (22.1±1.5yrs) with various sports histories was analyzed. The data analysis was based on Kendall’s tau correlation coefficient. The items DS and TSPU were rated via an ordinal ranking system ranging from 0 (pain) to 3 (adequate). Muscle activity was recorded with a new EMG device at a rate of 25 Hz (Myontec Ltd, Kuopio, Finland). In a concurrent pilot study the reliability of this device was examined with a progressive loaded squat protocol (50 up to 125% BW). It indicated almost perfect reliability for the quad/ham balance, quadriceps distribution (r< 0.9, CV:3-5%) and high reliability for the hamstrings (r >0.8, CV:<10%).

Results:

Strong relationships between the quad/ham balance (r=0.7, p<0.01) and quadriceps distribution (r=0.6, p<0.03) in DS and TSPU were identified. The connection between hamstring muscle activity balance was low (r< 0.2, p>0.5). In both items, the muscle contractions were dominated by the activation of the quadriceps (79% vs. 21% hamstrings). Additionally, the average muscle activity was 4 times higher in a loaded squat (100% BW) than it was in DS. Generally, DS was rated as follows: score 3 (3 times) and score 2 (13 times). For the item TSPU score 3 was given 14 times and score 2 was given 2 times.

Conclusion:

The relationship between dynamic and static motor behavior of the quadriceps supports the connection between the stabilizing and movement function of muscle slings. The low intensity corresponds with the slow EMG activity in DS, which is an indicator for the activation of mainly slow twitch muscle fibers. This scientific innovation is relevant for practitioners as it establishes the diagnostic value of the FMS. Based on this evidence, the FMS provides information with regards to low tension motor behavior. It is unlikely that this information is specific enough to estimate injury risk or performance because when it comes to return to sport decisions, it is also important to obtain information of motor control associated with fast-twitch fibers.