earticle

영어

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in the activity of trunk muscles according to the type of support and height of the unstable surface during plank exercise. 13 male college students volunteered for this study. All the subject engaged in plank exercises on a stable surface, an unstable surface, an unstable surface whose height was at 40% of arm length, and an unstable surface whose height was at 80% of arm length. A sling was employed as the unstable surface. Measurements were randomly taken of the subjects by the researcher. Plank exercises were carried out three times for 15 seconds each, with a 60-second rest between each exercise. Surface electromyography was used to measure trunk muscle activity during the exercises. The electrodes were attached to the pectoralis major, upper trapezius, transverse abdominis, serratus anterior, multifidus, and external oblique. Muscle activity according to the type of support was analyzed using a paired T-test, while muscle activity according to the height of the unstable support was analyzed using repeated measured analysis of variance. There were significant differences in muscle activity of the external oblique, and transverse abdominis for exercises conducted on a stable surface compared to on an unstable surface (p<0.05). In addition, there was a substantial difference in muscle activity of the serratus anterior and upper trapezius for exercises conducted on an unstable surface, an unstable surface whose height was at 40% of arm length, and an unstable surface whose height was at 80% of arm length (p<0.05). The above results suggest that utilizing an unstable surface rather than a stable surface in a clinical setting is more effective for strengthening the muscles around the abdomen. In addition, it is best for the exercise to be done on an unstable surface of a 80% height to ensure the effectiveness of the abdominal muscle training while decreasing participation by the muscles around the shoulder joints.