Sunday, February 1, 2009

Limit activation of the TFL?

From the platform presentations of the APA combined sections meeting:

"Which exercises target the gluteal muscles while limiting activation of the TFL? EMG assessment using fine wire electrodes".

The authors point out is important to limit the action of the TFL in PF rehab because it "internally rotates the hip & exerts a lateral force on the patella". I'm not sure the TFL actually does this once the foot is on the ground, but let's assume it does for the sake of argument.

The authors immediately go horizontal/floor to the CLAM exercise, as it gives the best EMG results.

Well, you know how I feel about lying on the floor. What are some ways we could quiet the TFL during glut. strengthening in an upright functional position?

8 comments:

Brian Green said...

As the athlete squats there is a squeeze from something between the legs....This uses the agonist-antagonist concept, thus the adductors can shut off the abductors. The EMG literature suggesting that placing a load in the contralateral hand during single leg stance activites will increase activity of hip musclulature in the stance leg may work. I wonder about foot placement too. If we want to isolate Glutes it's prob best to put them into a little toe out position anyway I believe this is advocated by McGill..I wonder what would happen if you put these concepts together...?!

Joe Przytula said...

Thanks for being the first to dive in Brian! I'm going to half agree with you here. I'm not a big fan of squeezing the ball between the legs during a squat- I don't think this is consistant with chain reaction biomechanics. Yes, I'm in the minority on this topic. HOWEVER, I love your idea of tweaking foot placement (ie the toed out stance). When I want to block femoral IR, I'll have the athlete squat with the affected leg on the far end of a BAPS board, placing the foot into inversion. You've alluded to arm drivers, so let's see what the others come up with.

Ron said...

Why not have the athlete do the same CLAM exercise standing with theraband for resistance and pivot on the foot? Start this in a 1/4 squat position or fast position as I like to call it, and have this pivot or do a clam exercise? just my 2 cents

Joe Przytula said...

Absolutely. Squats or monster walks c/ minibands are great alternatives; consistant with chain reaction biomechanics. Any ideas on UE drivers to "quiet" the TFL anyone?

JH said...

Joe,
Use the arms as drivers in the direction of teh same side (effected) leg. This will prevent loading via eccentric lengthening.

JH said...

Spcecifically I'm thinking overhead drivers.

Brian Green said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brian Green said...

A contralateral UE reach across midline will make the involved LE's foot to invert thus causing a varus driver up the chain....Lots of possibilities here....Frontal plane UE movement with trunk side bending away from the involved will cause a varus position of LE/inversion foot....