RELATIVE EMG LEVELS IN-TRAINING EXERCISES FOR ABDOMINAL AND HIP FLEXOR MUSCLES

The main purpose of our study was to compare systematically EMG levels in sub-maximal training exercises for the trunk and hip flexor muscle s with those voluntarily attainable in corresponding situations. Six h ealthy subjects performed three types of standardized training exercis es, whose static positions, movement velocity and range of motion were reproduced during maximal voluntary isokinetic strength tests, EMG wa s recorded with wire electrodes from the iliacus muscle and with surfa ce electrodes from the rectus femoris, sartorius, rectus abdominis, ob liquus externus and internus muscles. The relative EMG values demonstr ated a task dependency which could differ between individual muscles. The maximal voluntary activation levels were relatively constant acros s conditions, Exceptions were present, particularly for the rectus fem oris and iliacus muscles, These findings highlight the consequences of using different methods of normalizing EMG, The relative EMG values p resented may serve as guidelines when selecting training exercises for specific trunk and hip flexor muscles in sports and rehabilitation.