Investigation of electromyography of major muscle groups while hiking out during sailing on both land and water.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare the Electromyographic (EMG) readings of

muscle activation while hiking out on both land and water. This study aims to determine

if there is a significant difference between EMG readings conducted in laboratory

conditions as well as on water when the subject is hiking out while sailing. Muscle

groups tested in this study were the Rectus Femoris, Vastus Laterialis and the Tibialis

Anterior groups. EMG readings were taken and expressed as a percentage of the maximal

voluntary contraction (MVC) baseline from the subject to determine the rate of muscle

contraction. Hiking angle has an effect on EMG activity of the quadriceps muscle and the

greater the hiking angle, the higher the EMG activity. Also, it appears that VL muscles

were a greater contributor of hiking technique than RF muscles and according to the

water hiking test, appears to fatigue more easily. Percentage of maximal voluntary

contraction was more prominent in the water hiking tests as compared to the static hiking

tests, with values ranging from 3-17% on water compared to 5-15% on land. Mean

Median power frequency was higher in the water hiking tests (14-17 Hz) than the static

hiking tests (15 - 16 Hz), which suggests more effort was required to hike out on water as compared to land.