Joaquin Calatayud1,2, Jonas Vinstrup3,4, Markus D Jakobsen3, Emil Sundstrup3, Juan Carlos Colado5, Lars L Andersen3,4. 1. National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark. ximo86@hotmail.com. 2. Research Unit in Sport and Health, Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, C/Gascó Oliag 3, 46010, Valencia, Spain. ximo86@hotmail.com. 3. National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark. 4. Physical Activity and Human Performance Group, SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark. 5. Research Unit in Sport and Health, Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia, C/Gascó Oliag 3, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of different attentional focus conditions on muscle activity during the push-up exercise and to assess the possible influence of muscle strength and training experience. METHODS: Eighteen resistance-trained men performed 1RM bench press testing and were familiarized with the procedure during the first session. In the second session, three different conditions were randomly performed: regular push-up and push-up focusing on using the pectoralis major and triceps brachii muscles, respectively. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded and analyzed (EMG normalized to max; nEMG) for the triceps brachii and pectoralis major muscles. RESULTS: Participants had on average 8 (SD 6) years of training experience and 1RM of 1.25 (SD 0.28) kg per kg bodyweight. Focusing on using pectoralis major increased activity in this muscle by 9% nEMG (95% CI 5-13; Cohen's d 0.60) compared with the regular condition. Triceps activity was not significantly influenced by triceps focus although borderline significant, with a mean difference of 5% nEMG (95% CI 0-10; Cohen's d 0.30). However, years of training experience was positively associated with the ability to selectively activate the triceps (β = 0.41, P = 0.04), but not the pectoralis. Bench press 1RM was not significantly associated with the ability to selectively activate the muscles. CONCLUSION: Pectoralis activity can be increased when focusing on using this muscle during push-ups, whereas the ability to do this for the triceps is dependent on years of training experience. Maximal muscle strength does not appear to be a decisive factor for the ability to selectively activate these muscles.
PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of different attentional focus conditions on muscle activity during the push-up exercise and to assess the possible influence of muscle strength and training experience. METHODS: Eighteen resistance-trained men performed 1RM bench press testing and were familiarized with the procedure during the first session. In the second session, three different conditions were randomly performed: regular push-up and push-up focusing on using the pectoralis major and triceps brachii muscles, respectively. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded and analyzed (EMG normalized to max; nEMG) for the triceps brachii and pectoralis major muscles. RESULTS:Participants had on average 8 (SD 6) years of training experience and 1RM of 1.25 (SD 0.28) kg per kg bodyweight. Focusing on using pectoralis major increased activity in this muscle by 9% nEMG (95% CI 5-13; Cohen's d 0.60) compared with the regular condition. Triceps activity was not significantly influenced by triceps focus although borderline significant, with a mean difference of 5% nEMG (95% CI 0-10; Cohen's d 0.30). However, years of training experience was positively associated with the ability to selectively activate the triceps (β = 0.41, P = 0.04), but not the pectoralis. Bench press 1RM was not significantly associated with the ability to selectively activate the muscles. CONCLUSION: Pectoralis activity can be increased when focusing on using this muscle during push-ups, whereas the ability to do this for the triceps is dependent on years of training experience. Maximal muscle strength does not appear to be a decisive factor for the ability to selectively activate these muscles.
Authors: Joaquin Calatayud; Jonas Vinstrup; Markus Due Jakobsen; Emil Sundstrup; Mikkel Brandt; Kenneth Jay; Juan Carlos Colado; Lars Louis Andersen Journal: Eur J Appl Physiol Date: 2015-12-23 Impact factor: 3.078
Authors: Markus Due Jakobsen; Emil Sundstrup; Christoffer H Andersen; Per Aagaard; Lars L Andersen Journal: Hum Mov Sci Date: 2012-12-08 Impact factor: 2.161
Authors: Giuseppe Coratella; Gianpaolo Tornatore; Stefano Longo; Fabio Esposito; Emiliano Cè Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-08-19 Impact factor: 3.390