Taro Imawaka

<p>[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanical characteristics of the knee extensor muscles and the patellar tendon during isometric contraction at different knee and hip joint angles. [Participants and Methods] The subjects were 11 healthy males. The knee extensor torque during isometric contraction was measured using a dynamometer. The degree of deformation as a mechanical activity was measured by a muscle contraction (MC) sensor. [Results] The knee extensor muscle showed a significantly higher degree of deformation when the knee joint was extended rather than flexed. However, the degree of deformation of the patellar tendon was significantly lower in knee extension than in knee flexion. [Conclusion] These results show that the degree of deformation measured using a MC sensor is influenced by deformation of the knee extensor muscles and the patellar tendon due to change in the knee joint angle.</p>