Comparative Impacts of Plate-Loaded and Cable Resistance Machines on Muscle Activity and Joint Kinematics

Abstract

Cable machines (CABLE) have become increasingly popular tools for resistance training; however, the relative impacts of plate-loaded machines (PLATE) versus CABLE on muscle utilization patterns and related kinematics is unclear. PURPOSE: To examine differences in muscle activity and kinematics between CABLE and PLATE. METHODS: Healthy participants (9M, 6F, height = 1.75 ± .07 m, mass = 75.70 ± 11.79 kg, age = 24.33 ± 4.88 yrs) completed 5 repetitions of overhead press, bicep curl, and chest press exercises with 8-RM loads on PLATE and CABLE in a randomized order. Muscular activities (rmsEMG, μV) of the pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD), biceps brachii long head (BB), rectus abdominus (RA), external oblique (EO), and triceps brachii lateral head (TB) were measured using surface electromyography. Joint range of motion (ROM, rad) of the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee was recorded using a high speed camera and assessed using Kinovea biomechanical analysis software. Independent-samples t-tests were conducted to examine the differences in rmsEMG and ROM between the CABLE and PLATE for each exercise. RESULTS: Significantly higher rmsEMG values were observed during the biceps curl on CABLE in the PM (Mdiff ± SE = 68.99 ± 25.55, p = .017) and AD (Mdiff ± SE = 77.31 ± 24.10, p = .06), along with greater shoulder ROM (Mdiff ± SE = 7.51 ± 3.44, p = .036). The chest press produced significantly higher rmsEMG on CABLE in the BB (Mdiff ± SE = 120.24 ± 26.59, p < .001), RA (Mdiff ±SE = 39.78 ± 17.47, p = .039), and EO (Mdiff ± SE = 16.05 ± 5.93, p = .017), and significantly higher rmsEMG on PLATE in the TB (Mdiff ± SE = 157.35 ± 31.33, p < .001). CABLE also displayed significantly greater hip ROM (Mdiff ± SE = .037 ± .011, p < .001), knee ROM (Mdiff ± SE = .107, p < .001), and shoulder ROM (Mdiff ± SE = 1.277 ± .080, p < .001) for this exercise. The overhead press produced higher rmsEMG on the CABLE in the BB (Mdiff ± SE= 117.32 ± 25.82, p < .001) and EO (Mdiff ± SE = 11.60 ±3.82, p = .009) and significantly greater hip ROM (Mdiff ± SE = .037 ± .011, p < .001), knee ROM (Mdiff ± SE = .107, p < .001), and shoulder ROM (Mdiff ± SE = 1.277 ± .080, p < .001) than PLATE. CONCLUSION: Our results argue for the use of CABLE over PLATE for increased muscle activation and ROM; however, their relative impacts on power, strength and functionality remain undetermined.