Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) and Tibial Internal Rotator Exercises (Activations)
Vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and tibial internal rotator activation exercises for improving movement dysfunction, posture, patella tendinitis, knee pain, and sports performance. Great quad set, terminal knee extension (TKE), and tibial internal rotator activation variations for the VMO.
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Course Description: Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) Exercises (Activations)
This course describes vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) exercises (commonly referred to as vastus medialis exercise, VMO muscle exercise, VMO activation, and end-range quadriceps muscle exercise). Performing terminal knee extension with the addition of hip external rotation, and tibial internal rotation may improve recruitment (isolation) of this muscle. This may be particularly true when performing closed kinetic chain exercises that combine terminal knee extension, hip extension, and ankle plantar flexion. The relative tibial internal rotation discussed in our variations of VMO exercises may also aid in reducing recruitment of the commonly over-active biceps femoris. (Note, our variations do not include hip adduction which may contribute to functional knee valgus and increase the activity of the commonly over-active adductors). Technically, VMO exercises are end-range quadriceps muscle strengthening, as it is unlikely that the VMO can be isolated. However, research has shown that muscle activity of the VMO increases relative to other quadriceps muscles during terminal knee extension, for individuals who have “healthy knees” (no anterior knee pain, knee cap pain, or soft tissue injury).
It is common to include these exercises in a program designed to address knee bow in (functional knee valgus) ; however, these exercises may also be recommended to reduce feet turn out, and may be beneficial for addressing some issues related to lumbopelvic hip complex dysfunction (LPHCD) and lower extremity dysfunction (LED). Addressing these signs has been correlated with improving and reducing the risk of knee pain (especially anterior knee pain), patellar tendinopathy (knee cap pain), VMO pain, patellar tendinitis, runners knee, jumpers knee, iliotibial band syndrome, and improving sports performance. Movement professionals (personal trainers, physical therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.) should add these exercises to their repertoire to improve the outcomes from their integrated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions. Further, this course discusses why exercises that include resisted hip adduction are likely a poor choice for addressing movement impairment, postural dysfunction, and optimal alignment.
Isolated Muscle Activation Exercises:
Subsystem Integration Exercises
Last, it is important to integrate the increase in vastus medialis activity into functional exercise. The Brookbush Institute accomplishes this with intrinsic stabilization subsystem and posterior oblique subsystem integration. Some example movements for these purposes include:
- Quadrupeds (ISS)
- Quadruped Progressions (Gali Pedis)
- Squat To Row (POS)
- Step Up To Row (POS)
- Reverse Lunge To Row (POS)
Course Study Guide: Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO) and Tibial Internal Rotator Exercises (Activations)
Introduction to the VMO and Tibial Internal Rotators3 Sub Sections
Overactive Synergists
Optimizing Motion (Best Practice)
Research on the VMO and Tibial Internal Rotators2 Sub Sections
Best Exercises for the Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO) Isolated Muscle Activation3 Sub Sections
Best Exercises for the Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus, Gracilis, and Popliteus Isolated Activations2 Sub Sections
Integrated Stabilization3 Sub Sections
Tibial Internal Rotator Taping
Sample Activation Circuit: Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO) Exercises
Bibliography
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