Slow expiration reduces sternocleidomastoid activity and increases transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscle activity during abdominal curl-up.

Author: Yoon TL1, Kim KS2, Cynn HS1
Affiliation:
1Hoseo-ro 79gil, Baebang-eup, Asan-si, Chungnam 336-795, South Korea.
2Hoseo-ro 79gil, Baebang-eup, Asan-si, Chungnam 336-795, South Korea. Electronic address: kskim68@hoseo.edu.
Conference/Journal: J Electromyogr Kinesiol.
Date published: 2014 Apr
Other: Volume ID: 24 , Issue ID: 2 , Pages: 228-32 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2013.10.003. Epub 2013 Oct 22. , Word Count: 183


The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of quiet inspiration versus slow expiration on sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and abdominal muscle activity during abdominal curl-up in healthy subjects. Twelve healthy subjects participated in this study. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to collect activity of bilateral SCM, rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), and transversus abdominis/internal oblique (TrA/IO) muscles. A paired t-test was used to determine significant differences in the bilateral SCM, RF, EO, and TrA/IO muscles between abdominal curl-up with quiet inspiration and slow expiration. There were significantly lower EMG activity of both SCMs and greater EMG activity of both IOs during abdominal curl-up with slow expiration, compared with the EMG activity of both SCMs and IOs during abdominal curl-up with quiet inspiration (p<.05). The results of this study suggest that slow expiration would be recommended during abdominal curl-up for reduced SCM activation and selective activation of TrA/IO in healthy subjects compared with those in abdominal curl up with quiet inspiration.

Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS: Breathing pattern; EMG; Stabilization exercise

PMID: 24210796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2013.10.003

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