Comparison of gluteus medius and hamstring activation during seven plyometric exercises on three training surfaces

Abstract

Introduction. Plyometric exercise is known as one of the key components of neuromuscular training programs. it is also possible to obtain higher muscular activity by exercising on tatami and mats. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the activity of hamstring and gluteus medius in 7 typical plyometric exercises on 3 different surfaces and identify the best exercises and surfaces that would further increase hamstring and gluteus medius activity. Methods. The study involved 20 male athletes. The participants performed 7 plyometric exercises on 3 surfaces: ground, tatami, and mat. The electromyographic activity of muscles was recorded with a ME6000 device in 2 phases: feedforward and feedback. To analyse the data, 2-way ANoVA with repeated measures and a Bonferroni post-hoc test were used. Results. Gluteus medius was most active in the feedforward phase in single-leg frontal plane hop (SLFPH), and in the feedback phase in SLFPH and single-leg sagittal plane hop (SLSPH) (p = 0.001). The medial hamstring and lateral hamstring showed the highest values of activity in the feedforward phase in SLSPH, SLFPH, and double-leg sagittal plane hop (dLSPH) (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the surfaces (p > 0.05). Conclusions. SLSPH, dLSPH, and SLFPH improve the recruitment and the strength of gluteus medius and hamstrings and should be given considerable attention in training programs. Exercise on the ground, tatami, and mattress is allowed and in terms of the purpose of the research, there is no difference between them.