Effects of Changing the Resistance Direction Using an Elastic Tubing Band on Abdominal Muscle Activities during Isometric Upper Limb Exercises

Abstract

Abstract. [Purpose] We investigated the effects of changing the resistance direction using an elastic tubing band on abdominal muscle activities during isometric upper limb exercises in a seated position.[Subjects] Twenty ablebodied volunteers (10 males, 10 females) were recruited for the study.[Methods] All subjects performed isometric upper limb exercises with an elastic tubing band involving three different shoulder movements (extension, flexion, and horizontal abduction). Surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded from the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) bilaterally during isometric upper limb exercises.[Results] There were significant differences in EMG activity of the bilateral RA during shoulder extension, shoulder horizontal abduction, and shoulder flexion. The EMG activities of the bilateral EO and IO were significantly higher in shoulder extension and horizontal abduction than in shoulder flexion when the subjects performed the arm exercise in the seated position. There was no significant difference between shoulder extension and horizontal abduction.[Conclusions] We suggest that upper limb extension and horizontal abduction using an elastic tubing band could be effective at improving abdominal muscle activities without trunk movement during isometric upper limb exercises.

Effects of non-paretic arm exercises using a tubing band on abdominal muscle activity in stroke patients

“…Our previous study showed that the direction of resistance on the upper limb could affect the activation patterns of the abdominal muscles (Lee, Kang, Jang, An, Yoo, & Oh, 2012). Mullington, Klungarvuth, Catley, McGregor, and Strutton (2009) reported that dropping a weighted receptacle onto an outstretched arm induced a rise in EMG activity in the contralateral trunk muscles.…”

Effects of isometric hip movements on electromyographic activities of the trunk muscles during plank exercises

“…To increase the electromyographic (EMG) activities of the abdominal oblique muscles, additional limb movements are often performed in a neutral spine position5 ) . These limb movements induce greater trunk muscle activity against the added postural demand that they cause6 ) .…”

Effects of Shoulder Flexion Loaded by an Elastic Tubing Band on EMG Activity of the Gluteal Muscles during Squat Exercises

“…The present study showed that a combination of squat exercises and loaded shoulder flexion enhanced the electromyographic activity of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius, compared with general squat exercises. It has been reported that shoulder movements facilitate contralateral muscle activity in response to postural demands 12 , 14 ) . Thus, in the present study, shoulder flexion may have induced an anterior displacement of the center of mass, requiring greater the posterior muscle activity.…”

“…It has been reported that loaded shoulder movements increase trunk muscle activity 12 , 13 ) . Researchers have suggested that shoulder movements facilitate trunk muscle activity to counteract the postural demands or reactive force caused by shoulder movement 12 , 13 , 14 ) . From this point of view, squat exercises with loaded shoulder movements may lead to greater electromyographic activity in the gluteal muscles, as well as the trunk muscles, while maintaining appropriate alignment of the lower extremity.…”