Muscle activity during the incline shoulder press in relation to the exercise intensity

Abstract

Background: The incline machine shoulder press (IMSP) is an alternative resistance exercise to the bench press associated with throwing performance. The muscle activity during IMSP has not yet been described in females and at different exercises intensities. Objectives: The aim of this present study was to investigate changes in the activity of prime movers during the IMSP in relation to the exercise intensity in female athletes. Methods: Eight female athletes experienced in resistance training were screened for peak electromyography amplitude normalized for maximum voluntary isometric contraction during the IMSP with increasing loads of 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). The selected muscles were the anterior deltoid (AD), pectoralis major (PM), triceps brachii long head (TBlong) and triceps brachii lateral head (TBlat). Results: The results of Friedman ANOVA showed increased muscle activity along with exercise intensity in all prime movers (p