The Effect of Different Landing Techniques on Electromyography (EMG) Activity of Selected Lower Extremity Muscles before and after Fatigue in Female Athletes

The landing technique is one of the basic and most important parts of many sport events known as one of the main causes of lower extremity injuries. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of different landing techniques on electromyography (EMG) activity of selected lower extremity muscles before and after fatigue in female athletes. 15 female athletes (physical education students) participated in this study. Three types of insole with 5° medial and lateral slopes and without a slope (normal) were used. All participants performed landing techniques with three types of insole before and after the fatigue protocol. The electrical activity of the peroneus longus (PL) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscles were assessed by EMG. The data analysis indicated a significant decrease in the activity of PL and MG muscles following fatigue during landing (P≤0.05). Although there was a significant difference in the activity of MG muscle during different landing positions (P=0.01), there were no significant differences in the activity of PL muscle during different landing positions (P>0.05). The present findings showed that an empowerment of gastrocnemius muscle in eccentric contractions and an empowerment of PL muscle to maintain its activity during fatigue can be beneficial to prevent injuries stemming from improper landings in female athletes and to achieve their efficient performance.