Electromyographic analysis of selected muscles during sitting push-ups. Effects of position and sex

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in EMG activity of the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major and triceps brachii occurred between muscles and between the 16 male and 16 female subjects performing push-ups from three different sitting positions. Surface electrodes and associated instrumentation recorded a linear envelope during seated push-ups performed 1) in a wheelchair, 2) in a long-sit position with elbows at 90 degrees, and 3) in a long-sit position with maximum elbow flexion and shoulder abduction. Results showed that women produced greater mean EMG activity than men in all muscles at all positions. Altering the exercise position did not have a consistent effect on level of activity recorded from either sex. The study concludes that use of these exercises should be based on a knowledge of the differences in muscle activity in exercise positions for men and women before treatment objectives can be effectively accomplished.