An Electromyographic Analysis of Trunk and Hip Extensor Muscles during Bridging Exercises -Effect of Voluntary Control of the Pelvic Tilt

Abstract

[Purpose] A bridging exercise is most commonly used for people with weakness of the back and hip extensor muscles. However, little is known about the effect of voluntary control of the pelvic tilt on electromyographic (EMG) activities of the trunk and hip extensor muscles during bridging exercises. [Subjects] Sixteen healthy male volunteers participated in this study. [Methods] Bipolar electrodes were attached to the lumbar extensor muscle (L3), gluteus maximus, and medial hamstring. Subjects performed 3 bridging exercises with: discretionary control of the pelvis (position D), backward tilt of the pelvis (position B), and forward tilt of the pelvis (position F). While the subjects performed each bridging exercise, EMG signals were measured. [Results] The gluteus maximus showed significantly higher muscle activity in position B than in the other positions. We observed significantly increased activity of the lumbar extensor muscle (L3) in position F compared to the other positions. [Conclusion] The findings of this study should be considered when prescribing variations of the bridging exercise, as part of a lumbopelvic rehabilitation program.