title: Dynamic and electromyographical analysis in variants of push-up exercise.
abstract: The purpose of the study was to record dynamic and muscular modifications during push-up exercise variants (EV). Eight healthy men performed 6 EV of push-ups: normal, abducted, adducted, posterior, anterior, and on knees. Ground-reaction forces were recorded with a force plate while surface muscular activity with electrodes on triceps and pectoralis major. Significant differences (p < 0.05) existed for most vertical force variables but not for anteroposterior force and time variables. The initial load relative to body weight was 66.4% at the normal position, while only 52.9% at the on-knees EV. Muscle activity was less during the on-knees EV for both muscles. At the posterior EV, pectoralis major was activated higher than normal; however, triceps were activated lower than normal. Dynamic behavior and muscle activity were significantly altered between push-up EV. Instructions for push-up exercises should be followed carefully because dynamic and muscular challenge is altered when hands are differently positioned.
authors.affiliation: Sport Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Sport Medicine, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. mgouvali@phed.uoa.gr
authors.forename: Marina K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Gouvali
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Boudolos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004576:Electromyography; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D011999:Recruitment, Neurophysiological / Q000502:physiology; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*