An Electromyographic Analysis Of Traditional And Nontraditional Abdominal Exercises

Abstract

PURPOSE Several non-traditional abdominal devices claim to target abdominal muscular as effectively as traditional abdominal exercises. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of three non-traditional abdominal devices and their variations (Ab Revolutionizer, Hanging Knee-ups using Straps, Power Wheel) and three traditional abdominal exercises and their variations (Crunch, Reverse Crunch, and Bent-Knee Sit-up) on activating abdominal and extraneous musculature. METHODS Twenty one healthy males and females between 23–43 years old served as subjects. Surface electrodes were positioned in pairs on the subject's dominant side over the upper and lower rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, rectus femoris, triceps brachii long head, sternal pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, and lumbar paraspinals. Electromyographic (EMG) data were collected from a Noraxon EMG system during five repetitions for each exercise. Each repetition was performed in a slow and controlled manner, taking 3 s to complete followed by 1 s rest. EMG exercise data were normalized by maximum voluntary muscle contractions. Differences in muscle activity were assessed by a one-way repeated measures Analysis of Variance. RESULTS Compared to all exercises: 1) upper and lower rectus abdominis activity was significantly greater with the Power Wheel, Hanging Knee-ups using Straps, and Reverse Crunch Inclined 30°; 2) external oblique activity was significantly greater with the Power Wheel and Hanging Knee-ups using Straps; 3) internal oblique activity was significantly greater with Power Wheel, Hanging Knee-ups using Straps, and Reverse Crunch Inclined 30°; 4) rectus femoris activity was significantly greater with the Power Wheel; 5) triceps brachii, sternal pectoralis major, and latissimus dorsi activity were significantly greater with the Power Wheel, Hanging Knee-ups using Straps, and Reverse Crunch Flat and Inclined 30°; 6) lumbar paraspinal activity was low and similar among all exercises. CONCLUSIONS The Power Wheel, Hanging Knee-ups using Straps, and Reverse Crunch were not only the best exercises for activating upper and lower abdominal and oblique muscles, but they were also the best exercises in activating extraneous musculature. These exercises may be appropriate for individuals who not only want to target abdominal and oblique musculature, but also upper and lower extremity musculature. However, the significantly greater hip flexor activity exhibited in the Power Wheel Knee-ups, Power Wheel Pike, Reverse Crunch Inclined 30°, and Bent-Knee Sit-up compared to the other exercises may be problematic for individuals with low back problems.