Electromyographic activity of core muscles in isometric pole dance exercises with thigh locks

Abstract

There is little technical and scientific research on Pole Dancing — an artistic, sensual and sporting activity based on friction and opposition between the body and a bar. The objective of this study is to analyze and compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus abdominis (RA), obliquus externus abdominis (OE), and erector spinae (ES) muscles during the execution of different isometric Pole Dance exercises using the thigh lock to fix the body on the bar in the vertical, horizontal and inverted positions (basic seat, plank seat, and inverted seat). Experimental study consisting of a convenience sample of ten female Pole Dance practitioners with more than one year of experience and physically active. The EMG signal obtained during all exercises was quantified in the time domain by root mean square (RMS) and normalized by maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Data were collected using simple differential surface electrodes and analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. The results showed a significant difference only for the ES muscle, which was higher for the inverted position when compared to the vertical and horizontal ones. The three exercises produced low to moderate EMG activity in the muscles analyzed. Therefore, these exercises can be prescribed both for Pole Dance training programs — its variations present interesting intensity progression — and for low back pain prevention, as they can improve trunk neuromuscular control.