Comparison of lower extremity kinematics and hip muscle activation during rehabilitation tasks between sexes.

Context: Closed kinetic chain exercises are an integral part of rehabilitation programs after lower extremity injury. Sex differences in lower extremity kinematics have been reported during landing and cutting; however, less is known about sex differences in movement patterns and activation of the hip musculature during common lower extremity rehabilitation exercises.

Objective: To determine whether lower extremity kinematics and muscle activation levels differ between sexes during closed kinetic chain rehabilitation exercises.

Hip-muscle activation during the lunge, single-leg squat, and step-up-and-over exercises.

Context: Functional exercises are often used in strengthening programs after lower extremity injury. Activation levels of the stabilizing hip muscles have not been documented.

Objective: To document the progression of hip-muscle activation levels during 3 lower extremity functional exercises.