The impact of abductor and adductor contraction in a bridging exercise on muscle activities in of the abdominal region and the lower extremities

Abstract

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of different bridging exercises on the trunk muscles, and provides preliminary data for clinical use. [Methods] Bridging exercise with hip abduction and adduction were used to examine the muscle activation of the hip abductors, which were measured by EMG. The subjects were 45 healthy young males. [Results] During adduction there were from general bridging position in all the muscle activities except for RF. The highest muscle activities were seen in TrA, EO and AM during adduction, and in RA and GM during abduction. [Conclusion] Bridging exercise with isometric abduction of the hip joint is effective at contracting RA and GM. Stabilizer exercise, it seems possible selectively strengthening of specific particular muscles by isometric adduction or abduction of the hip joint appears possible in bridging exercises for people who need lumbar stabilization exercises.