Immediate electromyographic changes of the biceps brachii and upper rectus abdominis muscles due to the Pilates centring technique

• Published in: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies Vol. 17; no. 3; pp. 385 - 390
• Main Authors: Carvalho Barbosa, Alexandre Wesley, PT, MSc, PhD, Martins, Fábio Luiz Mendonça, PT, MSc, PhD, Vitorino, Débora Fernandes de Melo, PT, MSc, PhD, Almeida Barbosa, Michelle Cristina Sales, PT
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2013
• Subjects: Adult; Electromyography; Exercise; Exercise Movement Techniques; Female; Humans; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - physiology; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Physiotherapy; Pilates; Electromyography; Exercise; Pilates; Physiotherapy
• ISSN: 1360-8592; 1532-9283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.01.003

Summary Objective To evaluate the electrical behaviour of the biceps brachii (BB) and upper rectus abdominis (URA) by surface electromyography (sEMG) during a forearm flexion with and without the Pilates centring technique. Methods Ten female subjects (with a minimum of one week of experience with the Pilates method) were recruited. The long head of the BB and URA were evaluated while an isotonic contraction of the BB was performed using the Pilates breathing technique and powerhouse contraction, followed by another contraction without these techniques. The data were normalised by a maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Normality was accepted, and the paired t -test was used to determine data differences ( p  < 0.05). Results The recruitment increased with the centring technique for both muscles, with greater activity during the concentric compared to the eccentric phase. In addition, this last phase, the centring activation was greater than without the Pilates technique. Conclusion The Pilates method seems to influence the increase in BB activity during dynamic contraction, especially during the eccentric phase.