title: Electromyographic activity of rectus abdominis muscles during dynamic Pilates abdominal exercises.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the electrical behaviour of the upper rectus abdominis (URA) and lower rectus abdominis (LRA) by electromyography (EMG) during the following dynamic Pilates abdominal exercises: roll up, double leg stretch, coordination, crisscross and foot work. The results were compared with EMG findings of traditional abdominal exercises (sit up and crunch).
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventeen female subjects (with no experience of the Pilates method) were recruited. The URA and LRA were evaluated while 12 isotonic contractions were performed using the Pilates principles or traditional abdominal exercises. The data were normalised by a maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Normality was accepted, and ANOVA followed by Tukey test was used to determine data differences (P < 0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pilates exercises double leg stretch, coordination, crisscross and foot work promoted greater muscle activation than traditional exercises, mainly in URA. Thus, these exercises have the potential to be prescribed for muscle strengthening programmes.
authors.affiliation: Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Muzambinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gabriela Bueno
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Muzambinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mirele Minussi
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.affiliation: Physical Education Department, Center of Health and Biology Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luis, MA, Brazil.
authors.forename: Wellington Roberto
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Gomes de Carvalho
authors.affiliation: Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Muzambinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Elisangela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Muzambinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Wagner Zeferino
authors.initials: WZ
authors.lastname: de Freitas
authors.affiliation: Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Muzambinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fabiano Fernandes
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.affiliation: Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Muzambinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Electronic address: tatosouza2004@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: Renato Aparecido
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: de Souza
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000502:physiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Abdominal exercises; Electromyography; Pilates