A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE AMPLITUDE AND FREQUENCY OF EMG ON THE EFFECT OF MUSCLES IN SELECTED YOGA TRAINED SUBJECTS AND IN SUBJECTS EXCLUSIVELY PERFORMING ABDOMINAL CRUNCHES

Abstract

Background: Electromyography refers to recording of action potentials of muscle fibers firing singly or in groups near the needle electrode in a muscle. Yoga and yoga-related training have often been touted as providing good muscle stretching and relaxation, as well as being beneficial for overall stress management. As life style changes have caused numerous cardiac and metabolic disorders which have increased the mortality and morbidity rate, this study will highlight the implications of these exercises and also identify the electrical activity of these abdominal and truncal muscles with regard to frequency and amplitude and make us to understand the physiological concepts and provide advice on the benefits of these exercises. Our aim was to perform comparative study of the amplitude and frequency of EMG on the effect of muscles in selected yoga trained subjects and in subjects exclusively performing abdominal crunches. Methods: The present study was carried out with the prior approval of Human Ethical Committee of Meenakshi University. The participants of this study were first year students of Meenakshi Medical College (n=20). Electrical activity of these abdominal and truncal muscles with regard to frequency and amplitude were tested. Results: Abdominal muscle are essential for the purpose of this study was to determine and compare the rectus abdominus and external oblique while the subjects performed various abdominal exercise intended to target to specific muscle sites. With respect to the rectus abdominus, and external oblique, no significant differences were found (P > 0.05). However, there was a trend toward somewhat higher EMG amplitudes in the left rectus abdominus compared with the rectus abdominus breathing exercise. Conclusions: In conclusion by use of abdominal crunch appears to be effective in recruiting the abdominal muscles and also safe in not excessively activating the unwanted hip flexor muscles. Our findings suggested that little difference be detected in the EMG activity of different rectus abdominus portions. However, our results illustrate the unconformity between the usual practice and scientific based observations and highlight the greater importance of exercise intensity to activate both muscle portions.