Comparison of Pelvic Rotation Angle and Electromyography Activity of the Trunk and Gluteus Maximus Muscles during Four Pilates Exercises

Abstract

Background The Pilates method has recently been recommended as the best way to improve spinal stability by strengthening the trunk and gluteus maximus (GM) muscles. Purpose In this study, we compared trunk and GM muscle activities and pelvic rotation angles during four traditional Pilates exercises. Study design Cross-sectional study Methods Twenty healthy volunteers were recruited for this study. During the four exercises, the activity of the trunk and GM muscles were measured via electromyography and pelvic rotation was measured using a smart phone-based measurement tool. Results The activities of the transverse abdominis/internal oblique and external oblique muscles were highest during the leg pull front (LPF) compared to the other exercises. GM activity was significantly higher during the LPF compared to the shoulder bridge and swimming (SW), but not during the one leg kick (OLK). Multifidus (MF) activity was significantly higher during SW than during the other exercises. There were no significant differences in MF activity between the SW and OLK exercises. Pelvic rotation angle was significantly reduced during the OLK compared to the LPF (<italic>p</italic>=0.004). Conclusions We recommend the LPF exercise if the goal is increased trunk and GM muscle activity and the SW exercise if you target for increased MF activity. The OLK exercise is useful for activating the trunk and GM muscles while reducing uncontrolled pelvic movements.