Elsevier

Journal of Biomechanics

Volume 19, Issue 8, 1986, Pages 565-567, 569-577
Journal of Biomechanics

Effect of muscular activity on valgus/varus laxity and stiffness of the knee

https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9290(86)90162-4Get rights and content

Abstract

Quantitative changes in valgus/varus knee stability with different levels of muscular activity were determined for five subjects. A specially designed machine was used to measure resistance to angulation in the frontal plane. This device held the thigh stationary, the knee straight, and cycled the leg from side to side at a constant rate between present moment limits. Resistance to this force valgus/varus motion was measured simultaneously with torque about the knee in the sagittal plane. Muscle activity was monitored by electromyography (EMG). Direct comparison of moment-rotation characteristics allowed changes in stability to be quantified as a function of extension and flexion torque. Extension torques less than 20% of the maximum increased varus stability more than valgus stability. Flexion torques of the same relative magnitude increased valgus stability more than varus stability. Comparison with the literature suggested that prevention of opening of the lateral side of the joint under varus loading was responsible for increased varus stability with increasing torque, both with extension and flexion torques.

References (10)

  • A.L. Hof et al.

    Linearity between the weighted sum of the EMGs of the human triceps surae and the total torque

    J. Biomechanics

    (1977)
  • J.T. Bryant et al.

    Clinical assessment of varus-valgus knee moment-rotation characteristics. Preliminary results in patients with diagnosed anterior cruciate disruption

  • Bryant, J. T. and Cooke, T. D. V. (in press) Standardized biomechanical assessment for varus-valgus stiffness and...
  • E.F. Delagi et al.
  • A.J. Goldfuss et al.

    Effect of muscular tension on knee stability

    Med. Sci. Sports

    (1973)
There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (0)

Present address: Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Canada.

Present address: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Concordea University, Montreal, Canada.

View full text