An Electromyographic Analysis of Romanian, Step-Romanian, and Stiff-Leg Deadlift: Implication for Resistance Training

Abstract

The present study examined the posterior chain muscle excitation in different deadlift variations. Ten competitive bodybuilders (training seniority of 10.6 ± 1.8 years) performed the Romanian (RD), Romanian standing on a step (step-RD), and stiff-leg deadlift (SD) with an 80% 1-RM. The excitation of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, erector spinae longissimus, and iliocostalis was assessed during both the ascending and descending phases. During the ascending phase, the RMS of the gluteus maximus was greater in the step-RD than in the RD (effect size (ES): 1.70, 0.55/2.84) and SD (ES: 1.18, 0.11/2.24). Moreover, a greater RMS was found in the SD than in the RD (ES: 0.99, 0.04/1.95). The RMS of the semitendinosus was greater in the step-RD than in the RD (ES: 0.82, 0.20/1.44) and SD (ES: 3.13, 1.67/4.59). Moreover, a greater RMS was found in the RD than in the SD (ES: 1.38, 0.29/2.48). The RMS of the longissimus was greater in the step-RD than in the RD (ES: 2.12, 0.89/3.34) and SD (ES: 3.28, 1.78/4.78). The descending phase had fewer differences between the exercises. No further differences between the exercises were found. The step-RD increased the overall excitation of the posterior chain muscles, possibly because of the greater range of movement and posterior muscle elongation during the anterior flexion. Moreover, the RD appeared to target the semitendinosus more than the SD, while the latter excited the gluteus maximus more.

Bilateral Biceps Curl Shows Distinct Biceps Brachii and Anterior Deltoid Excitation Comparing Straight vs. EZ Barbell Coupled with Arms Flexion/No-Flexion

“…The present investigation was designed as a cross-over, repeated-measures, within-subject study and was conducted in line with previous studies from our laboratory [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. The participants were involved in five different sessions ( Figure 1 ).…”

“…The participants were instructed to avoid sagittal oscillations of the trunk or any movement of the lower limbs and to exaggerate the elevation of the scapulae, and the technique was checked by three operators. A visual feedback was provided to help the participants to follow the tempo for each phase [ 5 , 9 , 27 ]. The set was repeated in case of disproportionate duration of any phase, as for any disproportionate movement of the trunk or lower limbs.…”

“…To check for the appropriate electrode placements, the innervation zone shifts during movements for each muscle were checked by means of an 8 × 8 semi-disposable high-density electrodes matrix for sEMG detection (GR10MM0808 model, inter-electrode distance of 10 mm, OtBiolettronica Turin, Italy), in line with previous procedures [ 5 ]. The sEMG signal was acquired by a multichannel amplifier (EMG-USB model, OtBioelettronica, Turin, Italy; input impedance of >90 MΩ; CMRR of >96 dB; EMG bandwidth of 10–500; gain of 1000×).…”

“…In this practice, each exercise has a group of prime movers that are primarily stimulated during the movement [ 4 ]. Nevertheless, many exercises can be performed in a multitude of variations and examining how each variation stimulates the targeted muscles differently is essential to plan the resistance training sessions purposely [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

Front vs Back and Barbell vs Machine Overhead Press: An Electromyographic Analysis and Implications For Resistance Training

“…The use of drugs or steroids was continuously monitored by a dedicated authority under its regulations, although we could have not checked for it. Thereafter, a convenience sample of eight male competitive bodybuilders (age 29.8 ± 3.0 years; body mass 77.9 ± 1.0 kg; stature 1.68 ± 0.01 m; training seniority 10.6 ± 1.8 years) were recruited for the present procedures, in line with previous studies (Coratella et al, 2020b;Coratella et al, 2020c;Coratella et al, 2021;Coratella et al, 2022). The participants were asked to abstain from alcohol, caffeine, or similar beverages in the 24 h preceding the test.…”