Study of Calf Muscle Electromyography in Male Athletes with Shin Splints

Purpose: Electromyography of the muscle may provide information about the Amount of calf muscle activation in patients with shin splints. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of calf muscle Electromyography in male athletes with and without shin splints. Methods: Thirty physical education students were recruited for this study. The Electromyography of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius (internal and external) muscles was measured by Biovision Electromyography in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion position, respectively. Statistical analysis was done by independent t-test at a significant level of p≤0.05. Results: No significant difference was found between two groups in the electromyography of tibialis anterior (p= 0.054), medial gastrocnemius (p=0.07) and lateral gastrocnemius (p=0.11). However, significant difference was observed in electrical activity ratio of tibialis anterior to gastrocnemius between groups (p=0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that imbalance between tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles may be the cause of shin splints. Therefore, it is possible that the patients can train without pain by rebalancing between these muscles.