Abstract: BACKGROUND: Varying exercise parameters, such as angles of movement, can
cause different activation patterns within muscle compartments. Therefore,
it is expected that feet positioning variations could influence
gastrocnemius activity. OBJECTIVE: Compare gastrocnemius activation during plantar flexion
with feet pointing forwards (FO), inwards (IN) and outwards (OU). METHODS: Sixteen physically active men (21 ± 2 years; 1.75 ±
0.06 meters and 74.8 ± 7.2 kg), performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions in
each of the following experimental conditions: plantar flexion with feet
pointing FO, IN and OU. The root mean square (RMS) of the muscular
activation of both gastrocnemius heads was analyzed in each set by
electromyography. RESULTS: For the medial head of the gastrocnemius, the OU condition
presented greater RMS values when compared to the IN (z = 3.41; p < 0.001)
and FO (z = 2.37; p≤ 0.017) conditions. For the lateral head, however,
the IN condition demonstrated greatest RMS when compared with OU (z = 3.20;
p = 0.001) and FO (z = 3.25; p = 0.001) conditions. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that it is possible to create
greater activation sites in the gastrocnemius. Trainers and practitioners
could use this to prescribe exercise more efficiently, possibly correcting
asymmetries in athletes, especially bodybuilders.
