Muscle activation during rehabilitation on artificial turf vs. sand after cruciate ligament surgery: A case series

Performing the rehabilitation of a player on a surface different from the normally used by the athlete in her/his sport is beneficial. By recruiting more muscle fibers in the new surface, the rehabilitation process is enhanced. Here, we describe the electromyography (EMG) data of anterior and posterior chains during workouts on two different surfaces: sand and artificial turf. We recorded data using a Myontec EMG device of two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injured women's soccer players. Player 1 was injured on her left leg in the ACL and the patellar tendon, and player 2 was injured on her right leg in the ACL and semitendinosus plasty. The EMG results of player 1 showed an increase in the activation of the cross pattern (i.e. left hamstring and right gluteus) of the posterior chain. Similarly, the EMG data of player 2 showed an increase in the activation of the left quadriceps (the antagonist muscle of her injured leg) of the anterior chain. In conclusion, in both players the muscle group most activated during rehabilitation was the antagonist of the injured leg's muscle, regardless of the surface used.