Trunk muscle activity during bridging exercises on and off a Swiss ball

Gregory J Lehman, Wajid Hoda, Steven Oliver, Gregory J Lehman, Wajid Hoda, Steven Oliver

Abstract

Background: A Swiss ball is often incorporated into trunk strengthening programs for injury rehabilitation and performance conditioning. It is often assumed that the use of a Swiss ball increases trunk muscle activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of a Swiss ball to trunk bridging exercises influences trunk muscle activity.

Methods: Surface electrodes recorded the myoelectric activity of trunk muscles during bridging exercises. Bridging exercises were performed on the floor as well as on a labile surface (Swiss ball).

Results and discussion: During the prone bridge the addition of an exercise ball resulted in increased myoelectric activity in the rectus abdominis and external oblique. The internal oblique and erector spinae were not influenced. The addition of a swiss ball during supine bridging did not influence trunk muscle activity for any muscles studied.

Conclusion: The addition of a Swiss ball is capable of influencing trunk muscle activity in the rectus abdominis and external oblique musculature during prone bridge exercises. Modifying common bridging exercises can influence the amount of trunk muscle activity, suggesting that exercise routines can be designed to maximize or minimize trunk muscle exertion depending on the needs of the exercise population.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Supine bridge.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Supine bridge on swiss ball.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Prone Bridge.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Prone bridge on Swiss ball.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Side bridge.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Internal oblique group average activity on/off a Swiss ball during bridging exercises.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Rectus abdominis group average activity on/off a Swiss ball during bridging exercises.
Figure 8
Figure 8
External oblique group average activity on/off a Swiss ball during bridging exercises.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Erector spinae group average activity on/off a Swiss ball during bridging exercises.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Internal oblique muscle activity for each participant during one repetition of prone bridging on/off a Swiss ball.

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