The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 63, Issue 9 1457-1471, Copyright © 1981 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Functional differentiation within the tensor fasciae latae. A telemetered electromyographic analysis of its locomotor roles
EB Pare, JT Stern and JM Schwartz
Electromyograms recorded by three or four fine-wire bipolar electrodes
inserted along a transverse line across the right tensor fasciae latae of
ten normal adults (five men and five women, twenty to thirty-six years old)
during a standardized series of exercises and locomotor activities
demonstrated different functional roles for the anteromedial and
posterolateral fibers of the muscle. Although anatomical dissections in six
normal cadavera demonstrated that the force of contraction of the tensor
fasciae latae could be transmitted to the knee by the iliotibial tract, the
observed activity of this muscle can be explained completely in terms of
its action at the hip. The anteromedial fibers have a greater mechanical
advantage for hip flexion than do the posterolateral fibers, whereas the
posterolateral fibers possess a better mechanical advantage for hip
abduction and internal rotation. During walking the anteromedial fibers
were electromyographically silent, whereas the posterolateral fibers were
active near heel-strike. For all subjects, increased locomotor velocity
(during jogging, running, and sprinting) was associated both with increased
activity of the anteromedial fibers near toe-off apparently to assist
deceleration of extension and acceleration of flexion of the thigh, and
with increased activity of the posterolateral fibers at heel-strike.
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