The Effect of Miniband Placement Variations on Hip and Knee Kinetics During SideStep Activities

Utilizing the sidestep exercise as a regimen in a strength training program, has shown to improve hip muscle strength. However, varying band placement along the length of the legs may influence muscle activation and joint mechanics thereby influencing the effectiveness of the exercise. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of band placement on hip muscle activation and peak hip and knee abduction moments during the sidestep exercise. METHODS: Three subjects (1 female and 2 males; age: 23 +/- 1.15 years old; height: 1.72 +/- 0.12 m; mass: 76.57 +/- 12.15 kg) performed five trials of the sidestep activity with three different band placement conditions: above the knee, below the knee, and at the ankle. EMG Sensors (Trigno, Delsys, Inc., Natick, MA) were placed over the Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, and the Tensor Fascia Latae on the dominant limb (trail limb during the exercise). Kinematic and kinetic data were gathered simultaneously using Qualisys cameras (sampling at 240 Hz) and Bertec force plates (sampling at 1200 Hz). RESULTS: Peak Gluteus Maximus muscle activation was highest at the above the knee position (81.42mV vs 77.51mV (ankle position), and 73.01mV (below the knee)). Peak Gluteus Medius muscle activation was highest at the ankle band position (90.75mV vs 44.94mV (below the knee), and 39.71mV (above the knee)). Peak Tensor Fascia Latae muscle activation was highest at the ankle band position (37.78mV vs 33mV (above the knee), and 29.2mV (below the knee)). Peak hip abduction moments were -0.82Nm/kg above the knee, -0.79Nm/kg below the knee, and -0.85Nm/kg at the ankle. Peak knee abduction moments were -0.44Nm/kg above the knee, -0.38Nm/kg below the knee, and -0.45Nm/kg at the ankle. CONCLUSION: The sidestep is an effective exercise to activate the hip musculature. The ankle band position is recommended for maximal muscular activation. The hip and knee abduction moments appear to be the lowest at the below the knee band position.