Changes of abdominal muscle activity according to trunk stabilization exercises using a Swiss ball

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the activities of the abdominal muscles according to trunk stabilization exercises using Swiss ball in normal individuals. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Ten healthy university students participated in this study. The subjects were required to complete the following three exercise positions: Exercise position 1, sitting on a Swiss ball and lifting the legs; Exercise position 2, pushing to a plank position from an ending position; and Exercise position 3, push-up posture with the legs on a Swiss ball. Changes in the trunk muscle activities were estimated using Biometric electromyography (EMG). Activities of the dominant side internal oblique muscle (IOM) and external oblique muscle (EOM) were estimated in all participants. The maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC %) was measured to standardize the EMG signals for the IOM and EOM during maximum resistance when sitting up with each shoulder pointing towards the contralateral pelvis with knees bent and both arms crossed on the chest for 5 seconds. Results: There was a significant difference in the activity of the internal and external oblique muscles between Exercises 1 and 2 and Exercises 1 and 3 (p<0.05). Furthermore, the IOM/EOM activity ratio was the greatest during Exercise 3 and the smallest during Exercise 1. IOM and EOM activities were the greatest during Exercise 2 with greater EOM activity. Conclusions: In future studies, it will be necessary to investigate muscle activities by supplementing the above-mentioned limitations during the stabilization exercise. The results of this study may be used as a basis for controlling the intensity and frequency of exercise while prescribing trunk stabilization exercises.