Electromyographic Analysis of Muscle Contribution Across Stroke Techniques in Badminton Players

The aim of this study was to analyze lower limb muscle activation patterns and task-dependent asymmetries across selected badminton movement sequences using wearable electromyography (EMG). Twelve elite male badminton players (18.3 ± 3.3 years, 171.3 ± 6.8 cm, 67.7 ± 8.2 kg, and 13.1 ± 4.6% body fat) in the highest national league participated in the study. Surface EMG was recorded bilaterally from the quadriceps femoris, hamstring, and gluteus muscle groups using wearable EMG shorts during standardized badminton-specific movement sequences. Across all analyzed techniques, a pronounced dominance of quadriceps activation was observed compared to hamstrings and gluteus muscle groups (p < 0.001). Significant inter-limb asymmetries in quadriceps contribution were identified in most net and defensive movements, whereas hamstring activation remained relatively symmetrical across limbs. Gluteus muscles group contribution exhibited task-dependent asymmetry, particularly during defensive lunges. Badminton-specific movements are characterized by quadriceps-dominant neuromuscular strategies and technique-dependent inter-limb asymmetries. These findings are specific to elite, right-dominant male badminton players and should be interpreted within this performance context.