Gender Comparisons of Muscle Activation Patterns Across Handle Types During Seated Row Exercise

Abstract

Muscular responses and performance during resistance exercise can be affected by handle design and wrist/forearm positioning. PURPOSE: To compare the electromyographic (EMG) responses during seated row exercise in the Biceps Brachii (BB), Latissimus Dorsi (LD), and Flexor Carpi Radialis (FCR), using a neutral forearm positioning (NF) handle versus a Wrist flexed positioning (WF) handle. METHODS: The protocol was performed on a cable machine by 10 males (21.6 ± 1.2 yrs) and 10 females (21.7 ± 2 yrs) with prior resistance training experience (5.0 ± 2.5 yrs). Participants completed a one-repetition maximal lift (1-RM) followed by one set at 85% 1-RM until failure, using both handle types in randomized order. Root mean square EMG (EMGRMS) from the BB, LD, and FCR were normalized to the 1-RM values. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze EMG differences for each muscle group between genders and handle types. RESULTS: The 1-RM lifts were significantly greater (p < 0.05) with the WF handle (90.2± 30.6 kg) versus the NF handle (87.8 ± 30.4 kg). There were significant differences (p<0.05) between genders for the 1-RM lifts across both handle types. However, there were no significant differences between handles for the total number of repetitions completed (NF 11.9 ± 3.6; WF 11.2 ± 2.4). Although there was a trend (p< 0.07) for BB EMG activity between the genders, there was no significant difference in the EMG amplitudes between the LD and FCR for either gender or handle type. CONCLUSION: These findings showed significantly higher maximal lifts with the WF handle type, but non-significant EMG differences in the BB, LD and FCR between genders and across handle types. This indicates similar muscle activation patterns. The possible mechanisms for the 1RM differences may be related to actin and myosin overlap of the forearm flexors, ergonomic factors such as grip comfort and differences in handle contact surface area.