The effects of age and skill level on knee musculature co-contraction during functional activities: A systematic review

Kevin R. Ford ^1*, Antonie J. van den Bogert ², Gregory D Myer ³, Robert Shapiro ⁴ and Timothy E. Hewett ¹

¹ Cincinnati Children's Hospital, United States
² Department of Biomedical Engineering, Orthopaedic Research Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, United States
³ Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, United States
⁴ University of Kentucky, Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion and Biodynamics Laboratory, United States

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: kevin.ford{at}cchmc.org.

Accepted 22 January 2008

Abstract

Objectives- To systematically review the current literature relating the effects of age and skill level to motor control patterns of knee musculature co-contraction during functional movements.

Methods- A search of electronic databases was performed with the search terms specifying co-contraction (cocontract*, co-contract*, coactive* or co-activ*). The search was focused on the effects age and/or skill level and were limited by the keywords of age or skill level (skill*) or experience (experi*).

Results- The search yielded a total of six peer reviewed manuscripts that met the search criteria and were included in the review.

Conclusions- The relationship between adequate dynamic joint stability and efficient movement patterns are complex. Co-contraction related to age and skill development varies among studies due to technical and practical considerations. Adequate antagonistic co-contraction of hamstrings musculature appears to be a component of all functional movements to possibly maintain dynamic knee stability and protect against excessive joint loads. Future investigations that further delineate the appropriate lower extremity agonist and antagonist relationships during dynamic tasks may help elucidate injury risk mechanisms in specific populations.