Peak Muscle Activation, Joint Kinematics, and Kinetics During Elliptical and Stepping Movement Pattern on a Precor Adaptive Motion Trainer

Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyography data were collected from the biceps femoris, rectus femoris (RF), gluteus maximus, and erector spinae (ES) during a step and elliptical exercise at a standardized workload with no hand use. Findings depicted 95% greater ankle plantar flexion (p = .01), 29% more knee extension (p = .003), 101% higher peak knee flexor moments (p < .001), 54% greater hip extensor moments (p < .001), 268% greater anterior joint reaction force (p = .009), 37% more RF activation (p < .001), and 200% more ES activation (p < .001) for the elliptical motion. Sixteen percent more hip flexion (p < .001), 42% higher knee extensor moments (p < .001), and 54% greater hip flexor moments (p = .041) occurred during the step motion. Biomechanical differences between motions should be considered when planning an exercise regimen.

Key words:

• electromyography
• heart rate reserve
• joint reaction force
• joint moment

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Thomas W. Kernozek

Address correspondence concerning this article to Thomas W. Kernozek, La Crosse Institute for Movement Science, Department of Health Professions, University of Wisconsin La Crosse, 1300 Badger Street, La Crosse, WI 65601