Firing patterns

[maris]

I have had two conflicting pieces of information recently regarding what the firing pattern should be when lying prone and extending the hip (i.e. lifting the leg). I was originally told by a physio that the glute should fire, followed by the hamstring, but then some literature a friend of mine who is a S&C intern for Watford FC was given states it should be hamstring, glutes, back. Thoughts???

[mortac8]

@maris

I have had two conflicting pieces of information recently regarding what the firing pattern should be when lying prone and extending the hip (i.e. lifting the leg). I was originally told by a physio that the glute should fire, followed by the hamstring, but then some literature a friend of mine who is a S&C intern for Watford FC was given states it should be hamstring, glutes, back. Thoughts???

This is a point that is not agreed upon by the researchers. It simply depends which authors you’re reading (regarding the 2 possible patterns you listed).

[Sharmer]

@maris

I have had two conflicting pieces of information recently regarding what the firing pattern should be when lying prone and extending the hip (i.e. lifting the leg). I was originally told by a physio that the glute should fire, followed by the hamstring, but then some literature a friend of mine who is a S&C intern for Watford FC was given states it should be hamstring, glutes, back. Thoughts???

Glut- ham will always have some co-contraction. When firing patterns improve, the degree of co-contraction decreases

[maris]

@Sharmer

Glut- ham will always have some co-contraction. When firing patterns improve, the degree of co-contraction decreases

So when the firing patterns improve, which muscle group would you expect to see fire first??

Thank you Mortac8, I did value your response, I just wished for Sharmer to elaborate.

[Sharmer]

Based on the summation of forces - glut, then ham, hip extension should preceed hamstring activation. However EMGs will always show activation of ham before glut. That may not be desirable so I think the glut should fire before the ham.

[maris]

@Sharmer

Based on the summation of forces - glut, then ham, hip extension should preceed hamstring activation. However EMGs will always show activation of ham before glut. That may not be desirable so I think the glut should fire before the ham.

Ah ok, now I see more where the confusion lies. Thanks

[Qpoke]

I have always been taught that firing patterns should always be proximal to distal in relation to the hip girdle. So i will go with Glut then Ham

[mortac8]

speaking about a prone hip extension test here…
“The normal activation sequence is (1) gluteus maximus, (2) hamstrings, followed by (3) erector spinae contralteral, then (4) ipsilateral. Note: Not all clinicians agree with this sequence definition; some believe hamstrings fire first or that there should be a simultaneous contraction of hamstrings and gluteus maximus.”

• Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques Volume 2: The Lower Body by Chaitow, Leon, DeLany, Judith, Simons, David page 435-36

[Sharmer]

@mortac8

Not all clinicians agree with this sequence definition; some believe hamstrings fire first or that there should be a simultaneous contraction of hamstrings and gluteus maximus."

• Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques Volume 2: The Lower Body by Chaitow, Leon, DeLany, Judith, Simons, David page 435-36

Simultaneous contraction of the ham- glut is not desired for sprinting. It may be beneficial in other movement patterns but definitely not for sprinting.

[mortac8]

well the question was about lying prone and extending the hip.

[Sharmer]

@maris

Ah ok, now I see more where the confusion lies. Thanks

supine/prone exercises are not good to teach glut-ham firing sequences for sprinters. Hip ext on the hip machine is good for this. You can try straight leg and bent leg variations.