Electromyographic analysis in the activation of abdominal muscles in traditional and nontraditional abdominal exercises
Abstract
Activities aiming the strengthening of the abdominal muscles are widely used by practitioners of exercises, whether they are athletes, those aiming health, or aesthetics. Understanding how these exercises act at the abdominal muscles is extremely important for health professionals dealing with resistance training. There are many accessories and devices available that are believed to be more effective in activating the abdominal muscles, promising to reduce the stress on other muscles, but some doubts still remain regarding the specific effects of exercise on the development of the muscles and muscle activation. Surface electromyography (EMG) has been the most frequently used tool for studying muscle activation during exercise. We considered ten relevant studies in this review, published between 2003 and 2011. Devices such as the Ab slide, Fit ball, Torso Track, Perfect Abs, Power Wheel are very efficient in the recruitment of the abdominal muscles when compared to the crunch or sit-ups, but should be used cautiously by beginners with weak abdominal and lumbar muscles, and column pathologies. It is suggested that further studies with a greater control of variables should be realized to obtain more consistent and reliable data that can contribute to a better understanding of the subject.
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