Comparison of Muscle Activity of Lower Limbs in Bridging Exercise according to Knee Joint Angle

The purpose of this study is to identify the bridge exercise posture for the efficient exercise by comparing the muscle activity of the lower limbs according to the changes in muscle length because of knee angle in bridge exercise. The subjects of this study were 9 randomly selected males in their 20s living in D city from those who satisfied inclusion criteria. The measured muscles were Vastus medialis oblique, Vastus lateralis, Semitendinosus, Biceps femoris, Gluteus maximus, Gluteus medius, Tensor faciae latae, and Adductor longus. Data were analyzed through paired comparison test. In the result, ST, BF, and TFL muscle activities were high when knee joint flexion angle was $90^{\circ}$ Although in most cases higher muscle activity was shown at $90^{\circ}$ than $60^{\circ}$ there was no statistical significance. Interestingly, it was lower at $90^{\circ}$ than $60^{\circ}$ in VL. In ST, BF, and TFL, it was significantly higher at $90^{\circ}$ than $60^{\circ}$ (p<.05). Conclusively, knee angles in bridge exercise may affect the muscle activity, and in particular when the activity of two joint muscles such as semimenbranosus muscle, biceps femoris muscle, and tensor fasciae latae muscle increase as the angle gets higher. Therefore, it is considered that this study will provide helpful tips to develop muscular strength enforcement program for the patients with damages in the lower limbs through bridge exercise in clinical situations.