1. Impact of Surface Stability and Hand Separation on Activation of Agonist and Stabilizing Muscles During Push-Up Exercise

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahadev Bhalla
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Hand Position ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
Surface Stability ◽  
Unstable Surface ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Push Up

Stability is an important factor to consider when designing an exercise program as recent studies have suggested that there can be benefits to performing exercises on unstable surfaces compared to rigid ones. Furthermore, to increase strength of the agonist muscles, pectoralis major and triceps brachii, various hand positions can also be implemented to increase stress on these muscles during an exercise.  Thus, our goal was to test the impact that surface stability and hand position can have on muscle activity of stabilizing and agonist muscles during a push-up exercise. Surface electrodes were attached to specific stabilizing and agonist muscles and electromyography (EMG) data was used to measure muscle activity. When compared to a rigid surface, a push up exercise performed on an unstable surface of a BOSU ball resulted in higher muscle activity for all the stabilizing muscles, while only the pectoralis major had an increase in activity for the agonist muscle group. In regards to hand position, a narrow hand spacing resulted in greater activation of all the stabilizing muscles and was able to specifically target the triceps brachii, while the use of wide hand spacing only isolated the pectoralis major. Hence an exercise program consisting of push-ups can target the stabilizing muscles further by using an unstable surface and a narrow hand position. In regards to the agonist muscles, the use of a specific surface and hand position can allow the user to target the agonist muscle they desire in a more efficient manner.

Shoulder Muscle Activation Levels During the Push-Up-Plus Exercise on Stable and Unstable Surfaces

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafaela J.B. Torres ◽  
André L.T. Pirauá ◽  
Vinícius Y.S. Nascimento ◽  
Priscila S. dos Santos ◽  
Natália B. Beltrão ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Unstable Surface ◽  
Hands And Feet ◽  
Push Up

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of the use of stable and unstable surfaces on electromyography (EMG) activity and coactivation of the scapular and upper-limb muscles during the push-up plus (with full protraction of the scapula). Muscle activation of anterior deltoid (AD), posterior deltoid (PD), pectoralis major, biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) levels and coactivation index were determined by surface EMG in 20 young men during push-up plus performed on a stable and unstable condition (2 unstable devices applied to hands and feet). The paired t test and Cohen d were used for statistical analysis. The results showed that during the execution of the push-up plus on the unstable surface an increased EMG activity of the scapular stabilizing muscles (SA, MT, and LT) was observed, while AD and PD muscles showed a decrease. During exercise execution on the unstable surface there was a higher index of coactivation of the scapular muscles (SA–MT and UT–LT pairs). No significant differences were observed in TB–BB and AD–PD pairs. These results suggest that the push-up-plus exercise associated with unstable surfaces produced greater EMG activity levels and coactivation index of the scapular stabilizing muscle. On the other hand, the use of an unstable surface does not promote the same effect for the shoulder muscles.

scholarly journals Mind-muscle connection: effects of verbal instructions on muscle activity during bench press exercise

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Paoli ◽  
Laura Mancin ◽  
Matteo Saoncella ◽  
Davide Grigoletto ◽  
Francesco Q. Pacelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Verbal Instructions ◽  
Anterior Deltoid ◽  
Long Head ◽  
Electromyographic Signals

Different attentional foci may modify muscle activation during exercises. Our aim was to determine if it is possible to selectively activate the pectoralis major or triceps brachii muscles according to specific verbal instructions provided during the bench press exercise. 13 resistance-trained males (25.6±5.4 yrs, 182.7±9.1 cm, 86.4±9.7 kg) underwent an electromyographic signals acquisition of the sternocostal head, clavicular head of the pectoralis major, the anterior deltoid, and the long head of the triceps brachii (LT) during bench press exercise. Participants performed one non-instructed set (NIS) of 4 repetitions at 50% 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) and one NIS of 4 repetitions at 80% 1-RM. Four additional sets of 4 repetitions at 50% and 80% 1-RM were randomly performed with verbal instructions to isolate the chest muscles (chest instructed set, CIS) or to isolate the triceps muscles (triceps instructed set, TIS). Participants showed significantly higher LT activation during TIS compared to non-instructed set both at 50% (p=0.0199) and 80% 1-RM (p=0.0061) respectively. TIS elicited a significant (p=0.0250) higher activation of LT compared to CIS. Our results suggest that verbal instructions seem to be effective for increasing activity of the triceps brachii but not the pectoralis major during the bench press.

scholarly journals Muscle activity in asymmetric bench press among resistance-trained individuals

2020 ◽  
Vol 120 (11) ◽  
pp. 2517-2524
Author(s):  
Atle Hole Saeterbakken ◽  
Tom Erik J. Solstad ◽  
David G. Behm ◽  
Nicolay Stien ◽  
Matthew Peter Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Anterior Deltoid ◽  
External Oblique ◽  
Loaded Side

Abstract Purpose To determine the effects of asymmetric loads on muscle activity with the bench press. Method Seventeen resistance-trained men performed one familiarization session including testing one repetition maximum (1RM) and three 5 repetition maximum (RM) lifts; using symmetric loads, 5% asymmetric loads, and 10% asymmetric loads. The asymmetric loading (i.e., reduced load on one side) was calculated as 5% and 10% of the subject`s 1RM load. In the experimental session, the three conditions of 5RM were conducted with electromyographic activity from the pectoralis major, triceps brachii, biceps brachii, anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, and external oblique on both sides of the body. Results On the loaded side, asymmetric loads reduced triceps brachii activation compared to symmetric loads, whereas the other muscles demonstrated similar muscle activity between the three conditions. On the de-loaded side, 10% asymmetry in loading resulted in lower pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and biceps brachii activation compared to 5% asymmetric and symmetric loading. On the de-loaded side, only pectoralis major demonstrated lower muscle activation than symmetric loads. Furthermore, asymmetric loads increased external oblique activation on both sides compared to symmetric loads. Conclusions Asymmetric bench press loads reduced chest and shoulder muscle activity on the de-loaded side while maintaining the muscle activity for the loaded side. The authors recommend resistance-trained participants struggling with strength imbalances between sides, or activities require asymmetric force generation (i.e., alpine skiing or martial arts), to implement asymmetric training as a supplement to the traditional resistance training.

Intense Bilateral Pectoralis Major Muscle Activity on Tc-99m MDP Scintigraphy: The Push-up Sign

2004 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 805-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavin C. Mackie ◽  
Ben A. Dwamena ◽  
Milton D. Gross ◽  
Lorraine M. Fig
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Pectoralis Major Muscle ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Push Up

scholarly journals Electromyographic Comparison of Traditional and Suspension Push-Ups

2013 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald L. Snarr ◽  
Michael R. Esco
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Data ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Healthy Men ◽  
Anterior Deltoid ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Apparently Healthy ◽  
Push Up

Abstract There is very limited scientific data concerning suspension training. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the electromyographic activity of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps brachii between a suspension push-up and traditional push-up. Twenty-one apparently healthy men (n = 15, age = 25.93 ± 3.67 years) and women (n = 6, age = 23.5 ± 1.97 years) volunteered to participate in this study. All subjects performed four repetitions of a suspension push-up and a traditional push-up where the order of the exercises was randomized. The mean peak and normalized electromyography of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps brachii were compared across the two exercises. Suspension push-ups elicited the following electromyographic values: pectoralis major (3.08 ± 1.13 mV, 69.54 ± 27.6 %MVC), anterior deltoid (5.08 ± 1.55 mV, 81.13 ± 17.77 %MVC), and triceps brachii (5.11 ± 1.97 mV, 105.83 ± 18.54 %MVC). The electromyographic activities during the traditional push-up were as follows: pectoralis major (2.66 ± 1.05 mV, 63.62 ± 16.4 %MVC), anterior deltoid (4.01 ± 1.27 mV, 58.91 ± 20.3 %MVC), and triceps brachii (3.91 ± 1.36 mV, 74.32 ± 16.9 %MVC). The mean peak and normalized electromyographic values were significantly higher for all 3 muscles during the suspension push-up compared to the traditional push-up (p < 0.05). This study suggests that the suspension push-up elicited a greater activation of pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and triceps brachii when compared to a traditional push-up. Therefore, suspension push-ups may be considered an advanced variation of a traditional push-up when a greater challenge is warranted.

scholarly journals The Effects of Accentuated Eccentric Loading on Mechanical Variables and Agonist Electromyography during the Bench Press

Sports ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Alexis H. Castro ◽  
Dylan Zangakis ◽  
Gavin L. Moir
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Pectoralis Major Muscle ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Lifting Technique ◽  
3D Motion Analysis ◽  
Analysis System

We compared the effects of accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) on mechanical variables and agonist muscle activation using low (30% 1-repetition maximum (1RM)) and high (80% 1RM) upward-phase loading with AEL (100% 1RM during downward phase) to traditional loading schemes (T) in the bench press. Twelve resistance-trained men (26 ± 6 years; 1RM: 134 ± 33 kg) performed sets of two repetitions with three-minute intervals using loading schemes of 30AEL, 30T, 80AEL, and 80T. AEL was applied using weight releasers while force plates and a 3D motion-analysis system were used to measure mechanical variables. Electromyographic activity of the pectoralis major and triceps brachii muscles was also recorded. The greater downward-phase loads experienced during the AEL conditions allowed greater overall mean vertical forces (mean difference ( x ¯ Diff): 118 N, p < 0.001), greater work ( x ¯ Diff: 43 J, p < 0.001), and greater pectoralis major muscle activation ( x ¯ Diff: 27 µV, p = 0.002) compared to the corresponding traditional loading schemes. However, there was little evidence of potentiation of the mechanical variables or muscle activity during the subsequent upward phases caused by the AEL schemes. It is possible that the use of weight releasers may disrupt lifting technique particularly during low AEL schemes thereby diminishing any benefits.

Comparative Analysis of Electromyogram of Pectoralis Major and Triceps Brachii During Push-Up Exercise

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 1081-1089
Author(s):  
Ki-Jeong Nam ◽  
Jeong-Min Ji ◽  
Hyung Hong ◽  
Hyun-Soo Kim ◽  
Chong-Hoon Lee
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Push Up

Effects of Push-Up Exercise Phase and Surface Stability on Activation of the Scapulothoracic Musculature

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 34-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Se-yeon Park ◽  
Won-gyu Yoo
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Support Surface ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Surface Stability ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Unstable Support ◽  
Support Surfaces ◽  
Lower Trapezius ◽  
Push Up

Objective:The purpose of this study was to measure muscle activation during ascending and descending phases of the push-up exercise on both stable and unstable support surfaces.Participants:Fourteen asymptomatic male amateur badminton players. During push-up exercises on stable and unstable bases, muscle activation measurements were collected with phase divisions (ascending and descending phase).Methods:Electromyography (EMG) was utilized to measure activation of the upper trapezius (UT) and lower trapezius (LT), middle serratus anterior (MSA) and lower serratus anterior (LSA), pectoralis major (PM), and triceps brachii (TB) muscles.Results:An unstable support surface produced significantly greater activation of the UT, LT, LSA, and PM muscles than a stable support surface (p < 0.05). The MSA, LSA, TB, and PM muscles demonstrated greater activation during the ascending phase than the descending phase of the push-up exercise (p < 0.05).Conclusions:The unstable support surface appeared to produce relatively greater activation of the LSA than that of the MSA. The descending phase of the push-up did not demonstrate a higher level of activation for any of the muscles tested.

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