Han, Seong-wonSawatsky, AndrewFontana, Heiliane de BritoHerzog, Walter2019-04-092019-04-092019-03Han, S., Sawatsky, A., Fontana, H. de B., & Herzog, W. (2019). Contribution of individual quadriceps muscles to knee joint mechanics. "Journal of Experimental Biology" (2019) 222. doi: 10.1242/jeb.188292http://hdl.handle.net/1880/110150https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/36348Many attempts have been made to determine the contribution of individual muscles in an agonistic group to the mechanics of joints. However, previous approaches had the limitations that muscles often could not be controlled in a precise manner, that individual muscles in an agonistic group could not be activated individually, and that individual muscle contributions could not be measured in an actively contracting agonistic group. Here, we introduce a surgical approach that allows for controlled activation of individual muscles of an agonistic group. The approach is illustrated for the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM) and rectus femoris (RF) of the rabbit quadriceps femoris group. We provide exemplar results for potential applications of the approach, such as measuring the pressure distribution in the patellofemoral joint, and the torque–angle relationship of VL, VM and RF when activated individually and when the three muscles are activated simultaneously.engUnless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Joint biomechanicsDistribution problemIndividual muscle activationNerve stimulationjournal article10.1242/jeb.188292