Determining the optimal maximal and submaximal voluntary contraction tests for normalizing the erector spinae muscles

Background This study aimed to identify which maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and sub-MVIC tests produce the highest activation of the erector spinae muscles and the greatest reduction in inter-individual variability, to put them forward as reference normalization maneuvers for future studies. Methods Erector spinae EMG activity was recorded in 38 healthy women during five submaximal and three maximal exercises. Results None of the three MVIC tests generated the maximal activation level in all the participants. The maximal activation level was achieved in 68.4% of cases with the test performed on the roman chair in the horizontal position (96.3 ± 7.3; p < 0.01). Of the five submaximal maneuvers, the one in the horizontal position on the roman chair produced the highest percentage of activation (61.1 ± 16.7; p < 0.01), and one of the lowest inter-individual variability values in the normalized signal of a trunk flexion-extension task. Conclusions A modified Sorensen MVIC test in a horizontal position on a roman chair and against resistance produced the highest erector spinae activation, but not in 100% of participants, so the execution of several normalization maneuvers with the trunk at different inclinations should be considered to normalize the erector spinae EMG signal. A modified Sorensen test in a horizontal position without resistance is the submaximal maneuver that produces the highest muscle activation and the greatest reduction in inter-individual variability, and could be considered a good reference test for normalization.

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Trunk muscle activation during moderate- and high-intensity running

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/h09-102 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 34 (6) ◽

pp. 1008-1016 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

David G. Behm ◽

Dario Cappa ◽

Geoffrey A. Power

Keyword(s):

Muscle Activation ◽

Maximum Voluntary Contraction ◽

Voluntary Contraction ◽

Trunk Muscle ◽

Erector Spinae ◽

Emg Activity ◽

Emg Signal ◽

Extension Activity ◽

Exercise Type ◽

Main Effects

Time constraints are cited as a barrier to regular exercise. If particular exercises can achieve multiple training functions, the number of exercises and the time needed to achieve a training goal may be decreased. It was the objective of this study to compare the extent of trunk muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity during running and callisthenic activities. EMG activity of the external obliques, lower abdominals (LA), upper lumbar erector spinae (ULES), and lumbosacral erector spinae (LSES) was monitored while triathletes and active nonrunners ran on a treadmill for 30 min at 60% and 80% of their maximum heart rate (HR) reserve, as well as during 30 repetitions of a partial curl-up and 3 min of a modified Biering-Sørensen back extension exercise. The mean root mean square (RMS) amplitude of the EMG signal was monitored over 10-s periods with measures normalized to a maximum voluntary contraction rotating curl-up (external obliques), hollowing exercise (LA), or back extension (ULES and LSES). A main effect for group was that triathletes had greater overall activation of the external obliques (p < 0.05), LA (p = 0.01), and LSES (p < 0.05) than did nonrunners. Main effects for exercise type showed that the external obliques had less EMG activity during 60% and 80% runs, respectively, than with the curl-ups (p = 0.001). The back extension exercise provided less ULES (p = 0.009) and LSES (p = 0.0001) EMG activity than the 60% and 80% runs, respectively. In conclusion, triathletes had greater trunk activation than nonrunners did while running, which could have contributed to their better performance. Back-stabilizing muscles can be activated more effectively with running than with a prolonged back extension activity. Running can be considered as an efficient, multifunctional exercise combining cardiovascular and trunk endurance benefits.

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Shoulder- and Back-Muscle Activation During Shoulder Abduction and Flexion Using a Bodyblade Pro Versus Dumbbells

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation ◽

10.1123/jsr.21.3.266 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 266-272 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Joseph S. Parry ◽

Rachel Straub ◽

Daniel J. Cipriani

Keyword(s):

Outcome Measures ◽

Muscle Activity ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Erector Spinae ◽

Emg Activity ◽

Shoulder Abduction ◽

Back Muscle ◽

Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction ◽

Activity Maximum ◽

Shoulder Flexion

Context:The Bodyblade Pro is used for shoulder rehabilitation after injury. Resistance is provided by blade oscillations—faster oscillations or higher speeds correspond to greater resistance. However, research supporting the Bodyblade Pro’s use is scarce, particularly in comparison with dumbbell training.Objective:To compare muscle activity, using electromyography (EMG), in the back and shoulder regions during shoulder exercises with the Bodyblade Pro vs dumbbells.Design:Randomized crossover study.Setting:San Diego State University biomechanics laboratory.Participants:11 healthy male subjects age 19–32 y.Intervention:Subjects performed shoulder-flexion and -abduction exercises using a Bodyblade Pro and dumbbells (5, 8, and 10 lb) while EMG recorded activity of the deltoid, pectoralis major, infraspinatus, serratus anterior, and erector spinae.Main Outcome Measures:Average peak muscle activity (% maximum voluntary isometric contraction) was separately measured for shoulder abduction and flexion in the range of 85° to 95°. Differences among exercise devices were separately analyzed for the flexed and abducted positions using 1-way repeated-measures ANOVA.Results:The Bodyblade Pro produced greater muscle activity than all the dumbbell trials. Differences were significant for all muscles measured (all P < .01) except for the erector spinae during shoulder flexion with a 10-lb dumbbell. EMG activity for the Bodyblade Pro exceeded 50% of the MVIC during both shoulder flexion and abduction. For the dumbbell conditions, only the 10-lb trials approached this effect.Conclusions:Using a Bodyblade during shoulder exercises results in greater shoulder- and back-muscle recruitment than dumbbells. The Bodyblade Pro can activate multiple muscles in a single exercise and thereby minimize the need for multiple dumbbell exercises. The Bodyblade Pro is an effective device for shoulder- and back-muscle activation that warrants further use by clinicians interested in its use for rehabilitation.

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Evaluation of Muscle Activities on Different Type of Exercises During Prolonged Sitting

Emerging Advances in Integrated Technology ◽

10.30880/emait.2021.02.02.002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Shahril Salim ◽

◽

Nor Fatihah Fujrah Mohd Nawi ◽

Ahmad Faizal Salleh ◽

Nurhidayah Omar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Back Pain ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Erector Spinae ◽

Prolonged Sitting ◽

Emg Signal ◽

Different Types ◽

Muscle Activations ◽

Internal Oblique ◽

Electrical Muscle

Electromyography (EMG) signal is an analysis of electrical signals generated during muscular contractions that have been used to measure and record electrical muscle activity usually applied for medical tests. In this research EMG signal is used to; (1) evaluate muscle activations on different gender during prolonged sitting task; (2) investigate the influence of various types of exercise during prolonged sitting on muscle activation and (3) proposed the best exercise that can help to prevent low back discomfort. Twenty subjects (10 males and 10 females) were recruited from undergraduate engineering student’s education background in UniMAP with age ranging between 20 to 24 years old. The subject must be asymptomatic back pain, normal BMI and right-handed. . Three different types of sitting, one hour per sitting were done by each subject in order to reach the goals of this study. First sitting (sitting without exercise) was conducted while second and third sitting (sitting with exercise) were done in order the investigate the effectiveness of the exercises. Two different types of exercise were performed in second and third sitting, both of exercises were chosen from Mc Kenzie’s exercise. EEGOTM sport device were used to record the EMG signal from four types of muscles which are Erector Spinae, Latissimus Dorsi, Internal Oblique and External Oblique. By comparing the Root Mean Square (RMS) values from EMG signals muscle activation during prolonged sitting and the effectiveness of performing the exercises have been evaluated based on RMS values. As the results, muscle become deactivate during prolonged sitting. The best exercise to reduce back pain discomfort is exercise type 1 (Seated Lumbar Exercise) and it is recommended to perform this exercise regularly to reduce the risk of getting hazardous disease due to prolonged sitting.

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The relationship between flexibility and EMG activity pattern of the erector spinae muscles during trunk flexion–extension

Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology ◽

10.1016/j.jelekin.2008.02.004 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 19 (5) ◽

pp. 746-753 ◽

Cited By ~ 48

Author(s):

Fahime Hashemirad ◽

Saeed Talebian ◽

Boshra Hatef ◽

Amir H Kahlaee

Keyword(s):

Activity Pattern ◽

Erector Spinae ◽

Emg Activity ◽

Trunk Flexion ◽

Flexion Extension ◽

The Relationship

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Comparison of Core Muscle Activation Between a Prone Bridge and 6-RM Back Squats

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.1515/hukin-2017-0176 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 62 (1) ◽

pp. 43-53 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Roland van den Tillaar ◽

Atle Hole Saeterbakken

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Body Height ◽

Rectus Abdominis ◽

Erector Spinae ◽

Emg Activity ◽

Exercise Time ◽

Lower Back ◽

Total Exercise Time ◽

External Oblique

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare core muscle activation during a prone bridge (plank) until failure and 6-RM back squats. Twelve resistance-trained males (age 23.5 ± 2.6 years, body mass 87.8 ± 21.3 kg, body height 1.81 ± 0.08 m) participated in this study. Total exercise time and EMG activity of the rectus abdominis, external abdominal oblique and erector spinae were measured during 6-RM back squats and a prone bridge with a weight of 20% of participants’ body mass on their lower back. The main findings showed non-significant differences between the exercises in the rectus abdominis or external oblique, but greater erector spinae activation in squatting. Furthermore, in contrast to the prone bridge, the erector spinae and rectus abdominis demonstrated increasing muscle activation throughout the repetitions while squatting, whereas the prone bride demonstrated increasing external oblique activation between the beginning and the middle of the set. It was concluded that since squatting resulted in greater erector spine activation, but similar rectus abdominis and oblique external activation as the prone bridge, high-intensity squats rather than isometric low intensity core exercises for athletes would be recommended.

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Activity of upper limb and trunk muscles during power walking

Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior ◽

10.20338/bjmb.2015-0007 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Johann Peter Kuhtz-Buschbeck ◽

Antonia Frendel

Keyword(s):

Upper Limb ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Erector Spinae ◽

Trunk Muscles ◽

Emg Activity ◽

Normal Walking ◽

Arm Swing ◽

Temporal Muscle ◽

Limb Muscles ◽

Emg Patterns

<p>Background: Arm swing is deliberately emphasized during power walking, a popular aerobic fitness exercise. Electromyographic (EMG) activation curves of arm and shoulder muscles during power walking have not yet been examined. Aim: To describe the amount and pattern of EMG activity of upper limb muscles during power walking. Data are compared to normal walking and jogging. Method: Twenty volunteers were examined on a treadmill at 6 km/h during (a) normal walking, (b) power walking, (c) jogging. EMG data were collected for the trapezius (TRAP), anterior (AD) and posterior deltoid (PD), biceps (BIC), triceps (TRI), latissimus dorsi (LD) and erector spinae (ES) muscles. Results: Activity of four muscles (AD, BIC, PD, TRAP) was three- to fivefold stronger during power walking than normal walking. Smaller significant increases involved the TRI, LD and ES. Two muscles (AD, TRAP) were more active during power walking than running. Normal walking and power walking involved similar EMG patterns of PD, LD, ES, while EMG patterns of running and walking differed. Interpretation: Emphasizing arm swing during power walking triples the EMG activity of upper limb muscles, compared to normal walking. Similar basic temporal muscle activation patterns in both modes of walking indicate a common underlying motor program. </p>

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Activity of upper limb and trunk muscles during power walking

Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior ◽

10.20338/bjmb.v9i2.87 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Johann Peter Kuhtz-Buschbeck ◽

Antonia Frendel

Keyword(s):

Upper Limb ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Erector Spinae ◽

Trunk Muscles ◽

Emg Activity ◽

Normal Walking ◽

Arm Swing ◽

Temporal Muscle ◽

Limb Muscles ◽

Emg Patterns

Background: Arm swing is deliberately emphasized during power walking, a popular aerobic fitness exercise. Electromyographic (EMG) activation curves of arm and shoulder muscles during power walking have not yet been examined. Aim: To describe the amount and pattern of EMG activity of upper limb muscles during power walking. Data are compared to normal walking and jogging. Method: Twenty volunteers were examined on a treadmill at 6 km/h during (a) normal walking, (b) power walking, (c) jogging. EMG data were collected for the trapezius (TRAP), anterior (AD) and posterior deltoid (PD), biceps (BIC), triceps (TRI), latissimus dorsi (LD) and erector spinae (ES) muscles. Results: Activity of four muscles (AD, BIC, PD, TRAP) was three- to fivefold stronger during power walking than normal walking. Smaller significant increases involved the TRI, LD and ES. Two muscles (AD, TRAP) were more active during power walking than running. Normal walking and power walking involved similar EMG patterns of PD, LD, ES, while EMG patterns of running and walking differed. Interpretation: Emphasizing arm swing during power walking triples the EMG activity of upper limb muscles, compared to normal walking. Similar basic temporal muscle activation patterns in both modes of walking indicate a common underlying motor program.

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Quadriceps Muscle Fatigue Reduces Extension and Flexion Power During Maximal Cycling

Frontiers in Sports and Active Living ◽

10.3389/fspor.2021.797288 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

Author(s):

Steven J. O'Bryan ◽

Janet L. Taylor ◽

Jessica M. D'Amico ◽

David M. Rouffet

Keyword(s):

Muscle Fatigue ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Power Production ◽

Quadriceps Muscle ◽

Individual Variability ◽

Voluntary Activation ◽

Peripheral Fatigue ◽

Emg Activity ◽

Pedal Force ◽

Voluntary Contractions

Purpose: To investigate how quadriceps muscle fatigue affects power production over the extension and flexion phases and muscle activation during maximal cycling.Methods: Ten participants performed 10-s maximal cycling efforts without fatigue and after 120 bilateral maximal concentric contractions of the quadriceps muscles. Extension power, flexion power and electromyographic (EMG) activity were compared between maximal cycling trials. We also investigated the associations between changes in quadriceps force during isometric maximal voluntary contractions (IMVC) and power output (flexion and extension) during maximal cycling, in addition to inter-individual variability in muscle activation and pedal force profiles.Results: Quadriceps IMVC (−52 ± 21%, P = 0.002), voluntary activation (−24 ± 14%, P < 0.001) and resting twitch amplitude (−45 ± 19%, P = 0.002) were reduced following the fatiguing task, whereas vastus lateralis (P = 0.58) and vastus medialis (P = 0.15) M-wave amplitudes were unchanged. The reductions in extension power (−15 ± 8%, P < 0.001) and flexion power (−24 ± 18%, P < 0.001) recorded during maximal cycling with fatigue of the quadriceps were dissociated from the decreases in quadriceps IMVC. Peak EMG decreased across all muscles while inter-individual variability in pedal force and EMG profiles increased during maximal cycling with quadriceps fatigue.Conclusion: Quadriceps fatigue induced by voluntary contractions led to reduced activation of all lower limb muscles, increased inter-individual variability and decreased power production during maximal cycling. Interestingly, power production was further reduced over the flexion phase (24%) than the extension phase (15%), likely due to larger levels of peripheral fatigue developed in RF muscle and/or a higher contribution of the quadriceps muscle to flexion power production compared to extension power during maximal cycling.

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Core Muscle Activation in Suspension Training Exercises

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.1515/hukin-2017-0023 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 56 (1) ◽

pp. 61-71 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Giovanni Cugliari ◽

Gennaro Boccia

Keyword(s):

Muscle Activation ◽

Rectus Abdominis ◽

Erector Spinae ◽

Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction ◽

Repeated Measures Design ◽

External Oblique ◽

Core Training ◽

Training Exercises ◽

Electromyographic Signals ◽

Roll Out

AbstractA quantitative observational laboratory study was conducted to characterize and classify core training exercises executed in a suspension modality on the base of muscle activation. In a prospective single-group repeated measures design, seventeen active male participants performed four suspension exercises typically associated with core training (roll-out, bodysaw, pike and knee-tuck). Surface electromyographic signals were recorded from lower and upper parts of rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, lower and upper parts of erector spinae muscles using concentric bipolar electrodes. The average rectified values of electromyographic signals were normalized with respect to individual maximum voluntary isometric contraction of each muscle. Roll-out exercise showed the highest activation of rectus abdominis and oblique muscles compared to the other exercises. The rectus abdominis and external oblique reached an activation higher than 60% of the maximal voluntary contraction (or very close to that threshold, 55%) in roll-out and bodysaw exercises. Findings from this study allow the selection of suspension core training exercises on the basis of quantitative information about the activation of muscles of interest. Roll-out and bodysaw exercises can be considered as suitable for strength training of rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles.

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