Shoulder Muscle Activity During Push Ups on a Swiss Ball
Author Information
Author(s): Lehman Gregory J, MacMillan Brandon, MacIntyre Ian, Chivers Michael, Fluter Mark
Primary Institution: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Hypothesis
Does performing push ups on a Swiss ball increase muscle activity compared to a stable surface?
Conclusion
Muscle activity can be influenced by the addition of surface instability, but not all muscles respond the same way.
Supporting Evidence
- The triceps and rectus abdominis showed increased activity on the Swiss ball.
- The pectoralis major did not show increased activity regardless of the surface.
- Muscle activity changes were dependent on the exercise variation performed.
Takeaway
Doing push ups on a wobbly ball can make some muscles work harder, but not all muscles are affected the same way.
Methodology
Thirteen males performed push ups on both a Swiss ball and a stable surface while muscle activity was recorded using electromyography.
Limitations
The study did not measure kinematic and kinetic information which could help explain the results.
Participant Demographics
Thirteen healthy males, average age 26.3 years, with more than 6 months of weight training experience.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = .002, p = .001, p = .024, p = .011, p = .0069
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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