This study examined the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, gluteus medius, and gluteus maximus on the legs of six amputee and nonamputee subjects. The results showed that there was a significant difference in peak muscle activation of the rectus femoris, gluteus medius, and gluteus maximus muscles between the amputee and nonamputee legs. Mean peak activation was significantly lower in all three muscles in the leg of the amputee. However, there was no significant difference in peak activation of the biceps femoris muscle between the legs of amputees and nonamputees. These results suggest that there are significant changes in the peak muscle activation of the rectus femoris muscle, gluteus medius muscle, and gluteus maximus muscle in the amputee's leg. These changes are likely due to denervation of the muscles after amputation. The results of this study have implications for the rehabilitation of amputees. The results suggest that it may be important to focus on exercises that target the rectus femoris, gluteus medius, and gluteus maximus to improve functional performance in amputees.

Electromyography, Amputation, Rectus Femoris, Biceps Femoris, Gluteus Medius, Gluteus Maximus.