Electromyography in Tai Chi
November 11th, 2011
Question :
How does a Tai Chi master move and use his muscles?
Answer :
The hip, knee and ankle joints are bent to maintain an upright posture and a low center of gravity. The anti-gravity muscles (rectus femoris and the medial head of gastrocnemius) are strengthened by eccentric muscle contraction.
Summary :
Electromyographic activities of the lumbar erector spinae, rectus femoris, medial hamstrings, and medial head of gastrocnemius were measured as a Tai Chi master performed a sequence of basic Tai Chi movements.
Reference :
Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of the push movement in tai chi.
British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2003 August. Free full text.
