Changes in muscle activity and perceived exertion during exercises performed on a swiss ball

2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 376-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Marshall ◽  
Bernadette Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Oblique Muscle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Unstable Surface ◽  
Primary Base ◽  
Base Of Support ◽  
Hip Flexor ◽  
Swiss Ball

The objective of this study was to determine differences in electromyographic (EMG) activity of prime mover and abdominal muscles while performing squats, push ups, and double leg lowering with a swiss ball. Twelve healthy subjects performed the movements. There was no difference between the surface conditions for muscle activity during the squat exercise; however, individuals had lower perceived exertion for the swiss ball squat. Activity of the triceps and abdominals was highest performing push ups on the swiss ball, whereas the activity of rectus abdominus (RA) only increased during double leg lowering on the swiss ball. Perceived exertion was highest for the push up and leg-lowering exercise performed on the swiss ball. Increased RA activity during double leg lowering can be attributed to its role as a hip flexor, whereas the lack of a rotation aspect to the task prevented increased oblique muscle activity. The swiss ball appears to only increase muscle activity during exercises where the unstable surface is the primary base of support.

scholarly journals Rostrocaudal Distribution of the C-Fos-Immunopositive Spinal Network Defined by Muscle Activity during Locomotion

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Natalia Merkulyeva ◽  
Vsevolod Lyakhovetskii ◽  
Aleksandr Veshchitskii ◽  
Oleg Gorskii ◽  
Pavel Musienko
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Control Systems ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Lumbosacral Spinal Cord ◽  
Adductor Muscles ◽  
Spinal Network ◽  
Hip Flexor

The optimization of multisystem neurorehabilitation protocols including electrical spinal cord stimulation and multi-directional tasks training require understanding of underlying circuits mechanisms and distribution of the neuronal network over the spinal cord. In this study we compared the locomotor activity during forward and backward stepping in eighteen adult decerebrated cats. Interneuronal spinal networks responsible for forward and backward stepping were visualized using the C-Fos technique. A bi-modal rostrocaudal distribution of C-Fos-immunopositive neurons over the lumbosacral spinal cord (peaks in the L4/L5 and L6/S1 segments) was revealed. These patterns were compared with motoneuronal pools using Vanderhorst and Holstege scheme; the location of the first peak was correspondent to the motoneurons of the hip flexors and knee extensors, an inter-peak drop was presumably attributed to the motoneurons controlling the adductor muscles. Both were better expressed in cats stepping forward and in parallel, electromyographic (EMG) activity of the hip flexor and knee extensors was higher, while EMG activity of the adductor was lower, during this locomotor mode. On the basis of the present data, which showed greater activity of the adductor muscles and the attributed interneuronal spinal network during backward stepping and according with data about greater demands on postural control systems during backward locomotion, we suppose that the locomotor networks for movements in opposite directions are at least partially different.

Comparison among low intensity bridge exercises using suspension devices based on muscle activity and subjective difficulty

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Sang-Yeol Lee ◽  
Se-Yeon Park
Keyword(s):  
Inclination Angle ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Trunk Muscles ◽  
Oblique Muscle ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Internal Oblique Muscle ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Erector Spinae Muscle ◽  
Internal Oblique

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical studies have revealed the advantages of using suspension devices. Although the supine, lateral, and forward leaning bridge exercises are low-intensity exercises with suspension devices, there is a lack of studies directly comparing exercise progression by measuring muscular activity and subjective difficulty. OBJECTIVE: To identify how the variations in the bridge exercise affects trunk muscle activity, the present study investigated changes in neuromuscular activation during low-intensity bridge exercises. We furthermore explored whether the height of the suspension point affects muscle activation and subjective difficulty. METHODS: Nineteen asymptomatic male participants were included. Three bridge exercise positions, supine bridge (SB), lateral bridge (LB), forward leaning (FL), and two exercise angles (15 and 30 degrees) were administered, thereby comparing six bridge exercise conditions with suspension devices. Surface electromyography and subjective difficulty data were collected. RESULTS: The rectus abdominis activity was significantly higher with the LB and FL exercises compared with the SB exercise (p< 0.05). The erector spinae muscle activity was significantly higher with the SB and LB exercises, compared with the FL exercise (p< 0.05). The LB exercise significantly increased the internal oblique muscle activity, compared with other exercise variations (p< 0.05). The inclination angle of the exercise only affected the internal oblique muscle and subjective difficulty, which were significantly higher at 30 degrees compared with 15 degrees (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Relatively higher inclination angle was not effective in overall activation of the trunk muscles; however, different bridge-type exercises could selectively activate the trunk muscles. The LB and SB exercises could be good options for stimulating the internal oblique abdominis, and the erector spinae muscle, while the FL exercise could minimize the erector spinae activity and activate the abdominal muscles.

scholarly journals Electromyographic Analysis of Traditional and Nontraditional Abdominal Exercises: Implications for Rehabilitation and Training

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (5) ◽  
pp. 656-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael F Escamilla ◽  
Eric Babb ◽  
Ryan DeWitt ◽  
Patrick Jew ◽  
Peter Kelleher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Latissimus Dorsi ◽  
Rectus Femoris ◽  
Rectus Abdominis ◽  
Oblique Muscle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Internal Oblique ◽  
Rectus Femoris Muscle ◽  
Femoris Muscle ◽  
Roll Out

Abstract Background and Purpose. Performing nontraditional abdominal exercises with devices such as abdominal straps, the Power Wheel, and the Ab Revolutionizer has been suggested as a way to activate abdominal and extraneous (nonabdominal) musculature as effectively as more traditional abdominal exercises, such as the crunch and bent-knee sit-up. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of traditional and nontraditional abdominal exercises in activating abdominal and extraneous musculature. Subjects. Twenty-one men and women who were healthy and between 23 and 43 years of age were recruited for this study. Methods. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to assess muscle activity from the upper and lower rectus abdominis, external and internal oblique, rectus femoris, latissimus dorsi, and lumbar paraspinal muscles while each exercise was performed. The EMG data were normalized to maximum voluntary muscle contractions. Differences in muscle activity were assessed by a 1-way, repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results. Upper and lower rectus abdominis, internal oblique, and latissimus dorsi muscle EMG activity were highest for the Power Wheel (pike, knee-up, and roll-out), hanging knee-up with straps, and reverse crunch inclined 30 degrees. External oblique muscle EMG activity was highest for the Power Wheel (pike, knee-up, and roll-out) and hanging knee-up with straps. Rectus femoris muscle EMG activity was highest for the Power Wheel (pike and knee-up), reverse crunch inclined 30 degrees, and bent-knee sit-up. Lumbar paraspinal muscle EMG activity was low and similar among exercises. Discussion and Conclusion. The Power Wheel (pike, knee-up, and roll-out), hanging knee-up with straps, and reverse crunch inclined 30 degrees not only were the most effective exercises in activating abdominal musculature but also were the most effective in activating extraneous musculature. The relatively high rectus femoris muscle activity obtained with the Power Wheel (pike and knee-up), reverse crunch inclined 30 degrees, and bent-knee sit-up may be problematic for some people with low back problems.

scholarly journals Quantification of the Differences in Electromyographic Activity Magnitude Between the Upper and Lower Portions of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle During Selected Trunk Exercises

2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (5) ◽  
pp. 1096-1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory J Lehman ◽  
Stuart M McGill
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Abdominal Muscle ◽  
Rectus Abdominis ◽  
Oblique Muscle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Rectus Abdominis Muscle ◽  
Emg Signal ◽  
External Oblique Muscle ◽  
External Oblique

Abstract Background and Purpose. Controversy exists around exercises and clinical tests that attempt to differentially activate the upper or lower portions of the rectus abdominis muscle. The purpose of this study was to assess the activation of the upper and lower portions of the rectus abdominis muscle during a variety of abdominal muscle contractions. Subjects. Subjects (N=11) were selected from a university population for athletic ability and low subcutaneous fat to optimize electromyographic (EMG) signal collection. Methods. Controlling for spine curvature, range of motion, and posture (and, therefore, muscle length), EMG activity of the external oblique muscle and upper and lower portions of rectus abdominis muscle was measured during the isometric portion of curl-ups, abdominal muscle lifts, leg raises, and restricted or attempted leg raises and curl-ups. A one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test for differences in activity between exercises in the external oblique and rectus abdominis muscles as well as between the portions of the rectus abdominis muscle. Results. No differences in muscle activity were found between the upper and lower portions of the rectus abdominis muscle within and between exercises. External oblique muscle activity, however, showed differences between exercises. Discussion and Conclusion. Normalizing the EMG signal led the authors to believe that the differences between the portions of the rectus abdominis muscle are small and may lack clinical or therapeutic relevance.

Respiratory muscle responses elicited by dorsal periaqueductal gray stimulation in rats

2005 ◽  
Vol 289 (5) ◽  
pp. R1338-R1347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weirong Zhang ◽  
Linda F. Hayward ◽  
Paul W. Davenport
Keyword(s):  
Gray Matter ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Respiratory Muscle ◽  
Stimulus Frequency ◽  
Periaqueductal Gray ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Respiratory Response ◽  
Defense Behavior ◽  
Periaqueductal Gray Matter

The periaqueductal gray matter is an essential neural substrate for central integration of defense behavior and accompanied autonomic responses. The dorsal half of the periaqueductal gray matter (dPAG) is also involved in mediating emotional responses of anxiety and fear, psychological states that often are associated with changes in ventilation. However, information regarding respiratory modulation elicited from this structure is limited. The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between stimulus frequency and magnitude on ventilatory pattern and respiratory muscle activity in urethane-anesthetized, spontaneously breathing rats. Electrical stimulation in the dPAG-recruited abdominal muscle activity increased ventilation and increased respiratory frequency by significantly shortening both inspiratory time and expiratory time. Ventilation increased within the first breath after the onset of stimulation, and the respiratory response increased with increasing stimulus frequency and magnitude. dPAG stimulation also increased baseline EMG activity in the diaphragm and recruited baseline external abdominal oblique EMG activity, normally quiescent during eupneic breathing. Significant changes in cardiorespiratory function were only evoked by stimulus intensities >10 μA and when stimulus frequencies were >10 Hz. Respiratory activity of both the diaphragm and abdominal muscles remained elevated for a minimum of 60 s after cessation of stimulation. These results demonstrate that there is a short-latency respiratory response elicited from the dPAG stimulation, which includes both inspiratory and expiratory muscles. The changes in respiratory timing suggest rapid onset and sustained poststimulus dPAG modulation of the brain stem respiratory network that includes expiratory muscle recruitment.

Posture effects on timing of abdominal muscle activity during stimulated ventilation

1999 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 1994-2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadashi Abe ◽  
Takumi Yamada ◽  
Tomoyuki Tomita ◽  
Paul A. Easton
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Moving Average ◽  
Abdominal Muscle ◽  
Transversus Abdominis ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
External Oblique ◽  
End Tidal ◽  
Internal Oblique

In humans during stimulated ventilation, substantial abdominal muscle activity extends into the following inspiration as postexpiratory expiratory activity (PEEA) and commences again during late inspiration as preexpiratory expiratory activity (PREA). We hypothesized that the timing of PEEA and PREA would be changed systematically by posture. Fine-wire electrodes were inserted into the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis in nine awake subjects. Airflow, end-tidal CO2, and moving average electromyogram (EMG) signals were recorded during resting and CO2-stimulated ventilation in both supine and standing postures. Phasic expiratory EMG activity (tidal EMG) of the four abdominal muscles at any level of CO2 stimulation was greater while standing. Abdominal muscle activities during inspiration, PEEA, and PREA, were observed with CO2stimulation, both supine and standing. Change in posture had a significant effect on intrabreath timing of expiratory muscle activation at any level of CO2stimulation. The transversus abdominis showed a significant increase in PEEA and a significant decrease in PREA while subjects were standing; similar changes were seen in the internal oblique. We conclude that changes in posture are associated with significant changes in phasic expiratory activity of the four abdominal muscles, with systematic changes in the timing of abdominal muscle activity during early and late inspiration.

Reproducibility and responsiveness of a noninvasive EMG technique of the respiratory muscles in COPD patients and in healthy subjects

2004 ◽  
Vol 96 (5) ◽  
pp. 1723-1729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marieke L. Duiverman ◽  
Leo A. van Eykern ◽  
Peter W. Vennik ◽  
Gerard H. Koëter ◽  
Eric J. W. Maarsingh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Respiratory Muscles ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Breathing Patterns ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Intercostal Muscles ◽  
Copd Patients

In the present study, we assessed the reproducibility and responsiveness of transcutaneous electromyography (EMG) of the respiratory muscles in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy subjects during breathing against an inspiratory load. In seven healthy subjects and seven COPD patients, EMG signals of the frontal and dorsal diaphragm, intercostal muscles, abdominal muscles, and scalene muscles were derived on 2 different days, both during breathing at rest and during breathing through an inspiratory threshold device of 7, 14, and 21 cmH2O. For analysis, we used the logarithm of the ratio of the inspiratory activity during the subsequent loads and the activity at baseline [log EMG activity ratio (EMGAR)]. Reproducibility of the EMG was assessed by comparing the log EMGAR values measured at test days 1 and 2 in both groups. Responsiveness (sensitivity to change) of the EMG was assessed by comparing the log EMGAR values of the COPD patients to those of the healthy subjects at each load. During days 1 and 2, log EMGAR values of the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles correlated significantly. For the scalene muscles, significant correlations were found for the COPD patients. Although inspiratory muscle activity increased significantly during the subsequent loads in all participants, the COPD patients displayed a significantly greater increase in intercostal and left scalene muscle activity compared with the healthy subjects. In conclusion, the present study showed that the EMG technique is a reproducible and sensitive technique to assess breathing patterns in COPD patients and healthy subjects.

Activation of Scapular and Lumbopelvic Muscles During Core Exercises Executed on a Whole-Body Wobble Board

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 623-634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Biscarini ◽  
Samuele Contemori ◽  
Giuditta Grolla
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Stable Condition ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Core Stability ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Entire Body ◽  
Unstable Condition ◽  
The Core

Context: Previous studies highlighted that exercises executed on unstable surfaces can yield important benefits to the function of the core musculature in rehabilitation settings, general conditioning settings, and athletic training when properly introduced within a periodized training schedule. No previous study has analyzed core-stability exercises executed in lying, quadruped, plank, and bridge positions on a whole-body wobble board (WWB) specifically designed to accommodate the exerciser’s entire body and promote whole-body instability. We have designed a WWB allowed to roll in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis to promote proactive and reactive activation of the core muscles with a transverse or diagonal line of action, which provides trunk and pelvic stability with low spine compression forces. Purpose: To determine the effect of the use of this newly designed WWB by assessing differences in core-muscle activity during core-stability exercises performed on the ground, in a stable condition, and on the WWB. Design: Controlled laboratory study. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Eighteen participants recruited from fitness centers. Intervention(s): The electromyographic (EMG) activity of lumbopelvic and scapular muscles has been recorded during core-stability exercises executed on the WWB (unstable condition) and on ground (stable condition). Main Outcome Measure(s): Mean and peak EMG activity were compared between stable and unstable condition with paired t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Overall, exercises performed on the WWB yielded significantly higher EMG activity in the serratus anterior and anterolateral abdominal muscles compared with the same exercises executed on the ground. Conversely, for the bird dog exercise, lower-back muscle activity was significantly higher on the ground. Conclusions: Compared with the ground, core-stability exercises executed on WWB constitute a simple and effective strategy to increase the activity level of the core muscles that control transverse-plane lumbopelvic and trunk stability, avoiding the use of external overload.

scholarly journals An electromyographic study of abdominal muscle activity in children with spastic cerebral palsy

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saviour Adjenti ◽  
Graham Louw ◽  
Jennifer Jelsma ◽  
Marianne Unger
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Abdominal Muscle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Spastic Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Neuromuscular Activity ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge

Background: Inadequate knowledge in the recruitment patterns of abdominal muscles in individuals with spastic-type cerebral palsy (STCP).Objectives: To determine whether there is any difference between the neuromuscular activity (activation pattern) of the abdominal muscles in children with STCP and those of their typically developing (TD) peers.Method: The NORAXAN® electromyography (EMG) was used to monitor the neuromuscular activity in abdominal muscles of individuals with STCP (n = 63), and the results were compared with the findings from age-matched TD individuals (n = 82).Results: EMG frequencies were recorded during rest and during active states and compared using repeated measures ANOVA. Spearman’s rank order correlation was used to explore relationships between age, body mass index and abdominal muscle activity. With the exception of the rectus abdominis (RA) muscle, the pattern of neuromuscular activity in children with STCP differs significantly from that of their TD peers. Three of the muscles – external oblique abdominis (EO), internal oblique abdominis (IO) and RA – in both groups showed significant changes (p < 0.001) in the frequency of EMG activity between the resting and active states. An elevated EMG activity at rest in the EO and IO was recorded in the STCP group, whereas the RA during resting and active stages showed similar results to TD individuals.Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that the RA could be targeted during rehabilitation regimens; however, the force generated by this muscle may not be sufficient for the maintenance of trunk stability without optimal support from the EO and IO muscles.

Electromyographic Analysis of Hip and Trunk Muscle Activity During Side Bridge Exercises in Subjects With Gluteus Medius Weakness

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Kyung-eun Lee ◽  
Seung-min Baik ◽  
Chung-hwi Yi ◽  
Oh-yun Kwon ◽  
Heon-seock Cynn
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Gluteus Maximus ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Gluteus Medius ◽  
Surface Emg ◽  
Trunk Muscles ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Abdominal Muscles

Context: Side bridge exercises strengthen the hip, trunk, and abdominal muscles and challenge the trunk muscles without the high lumbar compression associated with trunk extension or curls. Previous research using electromyography (EMG) reports that performance of the side bridge exercise highly activates the gluteus medius (Gmed). However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous research has investigated EMG amplitude in the hip and trunk muscles during side bridge exercise in subjects with Gmed weakness. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the EMG activity of the hip and trunk muscles during 3 variations of the side bridge exercise (side bridge, side bridge with knee flexion, and side bridge with knee flexion and hip abduction of the top leg) in subjects with Gmed weakness. Design: Repeated-measures experimental design. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients: Thirty subjects (15 females and 15 males) with Gmed weakness participated in this study. Intervention: Each subject performed 3 variations of the side bridge exercise in random order. Main Outcome Measures: Surface EMG was used to measure the muscle activities of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, longissimus thoracis, multifidus, Gmed, gluteus maximus, and tensor fasciae latae (TFL), and Gmed/TFL muscle activity ratio during 3 variations of the side bridge exercise. Results: There were significant differences in Gmed (F2,56 = 110.054, P < .001), gluteus maximus (F2,56 = 36.416, P < .001), and TFL (F2,56 = 108.342, P < .001) muscles among the 3 side bridge exercises. There were significant differences in the Gmed/TFL muscle ratio (F2,56 = 20.738, P < .001). Conclusion: Among 3 side bridge exercises, the side bridge with knee flexion may be effective for the individuals with Gmed weakness among 3 side bridge exercises to strengthen the gluteal muscles, considering the difficulty of the exercise and relative contribution of Gmed and TFL.

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