An EMG & Motion Analysis Study of the Elliptical Trainer

Background and Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe lower extremity muscle activity and joint range of motion while moving both forward and backward on an elliptical trainer at minimum and maximum inclines. Subjects Ten healthy subjects (7 female and 3 male) gave informed consent to voluntarily participate in this study. Methods A single group experimental design was used. A maximum contraction was performed for comparison measure and electromyographic (EMG) data was collected while the subjects performed the stride at the specified variables. Results The vastus lateralis was the most active of all the muscles throughout the entire experiment. The gluteus maxim us had, on average, the least amount of muscle activity. The biceps femoris was more active during forward stride than backward stride while the rectus femoris was more active during the backward stride. Conclusion and Discussion The results of this study are inconsistent with the manufacturer\u27s claims