Abvice Versus Other Techniques On The Market To Strengthen Selected Abdominal Musculature

Abstract

2402 PURPOSE: The AbVice involves reciprocal inhibition activating the hamstring and gluteal muscles in conjunction with the abdominals, leading to a more efficient and stronger abdominal contraction with decreased use of the hip flexors. Twenty four students volunteered for this study examining the effect of the AbVice compared to other abdominal devices currrntly on the market. METHODS: Fourteen females and 10 males between 18–22 years (mean of 20) participated in performing 10 crunches per set of abdominal crunches. Six different crunch sets and 60 total crunches were performed during one data collection session (standard curl; therapy ball curl; therapy ball oblique curl; AbVice curl, oblique curl, reverse curl). The order of testing was counter-balanced. A metronome set at 40 bpm ensured similar contraction speed. Rest between conditions was 3 minutes. Mean activation levels (mV) of surface EMG was collected using a Noraxon telemetry unit at the following locations on the right side of the body: (rectus abdominis 2.54 cm superior and inferior to the umbilicus; external oblique 1 cm medial to the ASIS and 1 cm superior to the inguinal ligament. RESULTS: Mean activation levels (mV) determined that for female subjects AbVice reverse curl: 330.95; AbVice oblique curl: 307.02; AbVice curl: 290.74; therapy ball oblique curl: 241.34; therapy ball curl: 230.59; standard curl: 173.82. ANOVA demonstrated a statistically significant difference existed (p = 0.019), F value of 2.887, and LSD post hoc determined the difference was between the AbVice reverse curl and therapy ball curl; AbVice oblique curl and the standard curl; and AbVice and the standard curl. Mean activation levels for males found statistical significance (p = 0.047, F value of 2.454). LSD post hoc testing showed that the AbVice reverse and oblique curls outperformed the other techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The AbVice generated the greatest EMG activity during the curl sets demonstrating activation of the selected abdominal musculature more effectively than the other conditions. Results support previous findings and have implications related to training and injury prevention.