Comparison of EMG activity during stable and unstable push‐up protocols

Abstract

This experiment examined muscle activation measured using electromyography (EMG) during a standardized push-up performed on stable and unstable surfaces. Fifteen highly trained participants performed four push-ups: standard (hands and feet on the floor), either the hands or feet on an unstable surface (single instability), and with both hands and feet on unstable surfaces (dual instability). Unstable surfaces were created using a stability ball and an extreme balance board. EMG activity was recorded from three core stabilizers (erector spinae, rectus abdominus and internal obliques), one prime mover (triceps), and one lower body stabilizer (soleus). The EMG time series were smoothed using a 10-point moving average and root mean squares (RMS) were calculated for the entire time series. The results showed that push-ups performed with dual instability had significantly greater EMG activation compared to single instability or the stable pushup. In addition, as instability increased, there was a greater amount of muscle activation for the core stabilizers, prime movers and lower body stabilizers. The findings are consistent with the position that unstable surfaces in conjunction with standard exercises can be used to increase activation of core trunk stabilizers. This may in turn provide increased trunk strength and greater resistance to injury.

Training for improved neuro-muscular control of balance in middle aged females

“…Training on unstable surfaces, exposing individuals to altered sensory input, is reported to increase muscular stress (Anderson et al, 2013) and may lead to gains in stability, proprioceptor activity, sway control, and improved core stability through neuro-adaptive mechanisms (Aggarwal et al, 2010;Schilling et al, 2009;McNeill, 2010). Anderson et al (2013) recently demonstrated that as the level of instability increased during a push-up protocol, there was a greater amount of muscle activation for the core stabilizers, prime movers and lower body stabilizers.…”

“…Surface EMG recording locations were measured from five muscle groups (Anderson et al, 2013;Behm et al, 2002;Cram et al, 1998); Rectus Abdominus (muscle bellies lateral to the umbilicus), Internal Obliques (2.5 cm medial from the anterior superior iliac spine), Erector Spinae (2 cm lateral to L5-S1), Bicep Femoris (mid-belly of the long head), Soleus (mid-point between medial malleolus and medial condyle of the tibia). Each EMG site was shaved, cleansed with alcohol, and abraded with inter-electrode distances of approximately 2.5 cm positioned parallel to the orientation of the fibres being measured.…”

“…Researchers and trainers that promote training on unstable platforms claim that utilizing equipment like the Stability Ball, wobble board and BOSUä Balance Trainer provides a greater stress to the global and local stabilizing muscles (Anderson et al, 2013;Myer et al, 2005;Norwood et al, 2007;Behm et al, 2010). It has been hypothesized that performing exercise in an unstable environment stresses the synergistic and stabilizing muscles around a joint system for any given movement providing a more specific and functional form of training.…”

Eletromiografia Dos Músculos Abdominais Em Exercícios De Estabilização Com Diferentes Superfícies Instáveis

“…Por outro lado, não foram observadas diferenças na atividade dos músculos do core na prancha ventral com instabilidade dupla (PV-BGB e PV-BGD) em comparação a instabilidade simples com bola de ginástica (PV-BGS), contrastando com Anderson et al [8] , que demonstraram maior ativação do core no exercício flexão de braço com instabilidade dupla em relação a instabilidade simples.…”

Changes in Body Position during a 2-Minute Push-Up Test

“…While extensive research has investigated differences in initial hand placement, joint stresses and optimizing training effectiveness [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18], little attention has been given to the changes in body position over the course of an extended push-up bout when compensational movement patterns are likely to be adopted. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to compare the natural push-up body positioning from the beginning to the end of a continuous 2-minute standardized push-up assessment.…”