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The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 71, Issue 7 1075-1081, Copyright © 1989 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Coactivation of the hamstrings and quadriceps during extension of the knee
LF Draganich, RJ Jaeger and AR Kralj
Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medical Center, Illinois 60637.
The electromyographic activities of six muscles of the thigh were recorded,
using bipolar surface electrodes, during active extension of the knee by
six healthy men. The signal amplitudes were normalized to those recorded
during isometric maximum voluntary contractions. Extension of the knee from
90 to 0 degrees (full extension) was performed at the rate of 10 degrees
per second with the leg unimpeded and with weights of 1.8, 3.6, 5.4, or 7.2
kilograms attached to the ankle. The hamstrings were found to coactivate
with the quadriceps during the terminal phase of extension. Coactivation of
all three hamstrings was found to occur at joint angles of as much as 9
degrees, with the maximum at full extension of the knee and the strength of
the signals ranging to as much as 20 per cent. The signals of all of the
flexors and extensors increased with increasing loads on the ankle and,
with the exception of the rectus femoris at 9 degrees of flexion, they also
increased as the knee extended. The results of this study support the
hypothesis that the hamstrings function synergistically with the anterior
cruciate ligament to prevent the anterior tibial displacement that is
produced by active contraction of the quadriceps in the terminal degrees of
extension of the knee. This information is important for the physical
conditioning of healthy individuals in preparation for athletic endeavors.
Furthermore, if coactivation of the hamstrings with the quadriceps is
mediated by sensors other than, or in addition to, those of the anterior
cruciate ligament, then strengthening of the hamstrings appears to be an
important adjunct to rehabilitation programs after repair or reconstruction
of that ligament.
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