title: A comparison of two gluteus maximus EMG maximum voluntary isometric contraction positions.
abstract: Background. The purpose of this study was to compare the peak electromyography (EMG) of the most commonly-used position in the literature, the prone bent-leg (90°) hip extension against manual resistance applied to the distal thigh (PRONE), to a novel position, the standing glute squeeze (SQUEEZE). Methods. Surface EMG electrodes were placed on the upper and lower gluteus maximus of thirteen recreationally active females (age = 28.9 years; height = 164 cm; body mass = 58.2 kg), before three maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) trials for each position were obtained in a randomized, counterbalanced fashion. Results. No statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed between PRONE (upper: 91.94%; lower: 94.52%) and SQUEEZE (upper: 92.04%; lower: 85.12%) for both the upper and lower gluteus maximus. Neither the PRONE nor SQUEEZE was more effective between all subjects. Conclusions. In agreement with other studies, no single testing position is ideal for every participant. Therefore, it is recommended that investigators employ multiple MVIC positions, when possible, to ensure accuracy. Future research should investigate a variety of gluteus maximus MVIC positions in heterogeneous samples.
authors.affiliation: Auckland University of Technology, Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand , Auckland , New Zealand.
authors.forename: Bret
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Contreras
authors.affiliation: Kinesiology Program, Arizona State University , Phoenix, AZ , USA.
authors.forename: Andrew D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Vigotsky
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, CUNY Lehman College , Bronx, NY , USA.
authors.forename: Brad J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Schoenfeld
authors.affiliation: Strength and Conditioning Research Limited , London , UK.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Beardsley
authors.affiliation: Auckland University of Technology, Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand , Auckland , New Zealand ; School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science, Edith Cowan University , Perth , Australia.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cronin
keywords: Electromyography; MVC; MVIC; Neuromechanics; Normalization