The effect of functional exercises performed on sliding platform on THİGH muscle activation and lower extremity alignment

The aim of this study was to investigate quadriceps and hamstring muscle activation levels and lower extremity alignment during lower extremity functional exercises on a sliding platform and compare them with normal ground. Thirty physically active healthy individuals (15 female, 15 male) (Age: 23,83±2,84, body mass index: 21,75±1,72) were included in the study. Single leg squat and lunge exercises were performed with anterior, lateral, and posterior reaching. Muscle activation levels of vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST) were measured by surface electromyography. The exercises were performed randomly on the normal ground and on the sliding platform. The phases of the exercises (reaching, waiting, returning) were analyzed with a video camera. Hip-knee flexion angles and ratios in the waiting phase of the exercises were evaluated with 2D motion analysis. Dominant VM and VL muscle activation levels in all exercises were higher on the sliding platform during the reaching and returning phases (p<0.05). Dominant VM and VL muscle activation levels were higher in the sliding platform in reaching and returning phases of all exercises (p<0.05). BF muscle activation level was higher in the waiting phase in front squat on the sliding platform (p=0.013). BF and ST muscle activation levels were higher in the returning phase in the back squat on the sliding platform (p<0.05). Dominant BF activation was higher in the returning phase in the front and back lunge on the sliding platform (p<0.05). Hip/knee flexion ratios were found to be closer to 1 when the front lunge, back lunge and front squat exercises were performed on a sliding platform (p<0.05). Single leg squats and lunges provide more quadriceps-hamstring muscle activation when performed on a sliding platform. Therefore, sliding platforms can be used effectively in exercise training of the knee muscles. Front squat and lunge exercises can be recommended to provide hip and knee flexion angle balance in the sagittal plane.