Effects of Unilateral and Bilateral Movement on Muscle Strength and Activity During Maximum Contraction

Abstract

In the present study, we aimed to elucidate how muscle strength and activity are affected by movement pattern(bilateral [ /s) at maximum effort, and to elucidate the relationship between a left/right asymmetry and bilateral deficit. A total of 18 healthy males participated in the study. Each participant performed maximum knee extension bilaterally and unilaterally while the EMG and moment were recorded, and then the relationships between the asymmetry and bilateral deficit were analyzed. The peak moments for the isokinetic motion at 60 o /s and 120 o /s and overall muscle activities of lower extremity were significantly reduced for the BLM in comparison to the ULM. And though the asymmetry in ULM were maintained during BLM at all velocities, the bilateral deficits at the velocity of 0°ý/s and 120°ý/s were significantly correlated with increased asymmetries of muscle strength in ULM. In conclusion, the reduction in the muscle strength exhibited in bilateral knee extension was shown to arise partially from a reduction in muscle activity, and left/right asymmetry was found to be associated with mechanical reduction in bilateral movement. These findings suggest that training aimed at increasing muscle strength must involve methods and strategies intended to reduce left/right asymmetry.