Electromyography Analysis of Muscle Activation During Stand-Up Paddle Boarding: A Comparison of Paddling in Kneeling and Standing Positions

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to understand individual muscle use in different paddling postures in stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). Methods: Sixteen college students were recruited in this study. Surface electromyography of 16 muscles on the dominant side was recorded. Results: In the time series, the biceps muscle exhibited a continuous activation pattern in the pull phase when kneeling, whereas when standing, the muscle contracted considerably in the exit and recovery phases, implying that it plays different roles in the two postures. The biceps also exhibited significantly higher muscle activation in the kneeling position than it did in the standing position. The maximum muscle activity levels of the external oblique abdominis and triceps were significantly higher when standing than when kneeling. In addition, an unstable SUP board activated the gastrocnemius to help paddlers maintain stability on a swaying surface. Moreover, additional power from the wrist flexor must be used in the recovery and catch phases to stabilize paddle control in the standing position. Conclusion: The knowledge that changes in SUP posture activate different muscle groups can enhance training efficiency and provide a reference for designing individualized training programs.

Neuromuscular Assessment of a Stand-Up Paddle Stroke

“…A comparison of paddle stroke mechanics between experienced and inexperienced SUP participants by Schram et al [14] revealed that inexperienced participants showed higher overall shoulder action and less hip range of motion than experienced participants. Muscle activation during paddling appears to primarily involve the upper extremities, trunk, hip stabilizers, and knees [9,17]. During SUP in an ergometer and at sea, it was demonstrated that muscle activation during the water-based test started sooner and was maintained longer than that during the ergometer test [17].…”

“…It has become a popular and accessible activity with numerous benefits, including improvements in body mass index, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, and multidirectional trunk strength, as well as applications for rehabilitation and fall prevention [2][3][4][5][6]. Despite its growing popularity, research on SUP remains limited, with few studies investigating its physiology [7,8], biomechanics [9,10], epidemiology [11,12], and psychology [6] in both recreational and competitive participants [13][14][15].…”

“…During SUP in an ergometer and at sea, it was demonstrated that muscle activation during the water-based test started sooner and was maintained longer than that during the ergometer test [17]. Tsai et al [9] evaluating different postures, found higher biceps brachii activity when paddling on the knees on the board and higher activation of the external oblique and triceps brachii in the standing position.…”

“…The biceps brachii muscle was found to be primarily activated during the recovery phase and the late pull phase. Its role in this context involves assisting in shoulder flexion, aiding the upper hand (the hand opposite to the one holding the paddle) in lifting the paddle and preparing for the subsequent pull phase [9]. In the case of the triceps brachii, it was observed to mainly engage from the later stage of the recovery phase to the middle stage of the pull phase [9].…”

“…Its role in this context involves assisting in shoulder flexion, aiding the upper hand (the hand opposite to the one holding the paddle) in lifting the paddle and preparing for the subsequent pull phase [9]. In the case of the triceps brachii, it was observed to mainly engage from the later stage of the recovery phase to the middle stage of the pull phase [9]. The tibialis anterior muscle was noted for its activation in maintaining board balance [19].…”