Abstract
Objective: To compare core activation during yoga between males and females. Methods: Surface electromyography was used to quantify rectus abdominis (RA), abdominal obliques (AO), lumbar extensors (LE), and gluteus maximus (GMX) activation during four yoga poses. Data were expressed as 100% of a maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Mixed-model 2 × 2 analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to determine between-sex differences in muscle activity. Results: Females generated greater RA activity than males during the High Plank (P < 0.0001) and Dominant-Side Warrior 1 (P = 0.017). They generated greater AO (P < 0.0001) and GMX (P = 0.004) activity during the High Plank (P < 0.0001). No between-sex EMG activity differences existed for the Chair and Upward Facing Dog. Conclusion: Findings have provided preliminary evidence for between-sex differences in muscle activation during yoga poses. Clinicians should consider such differences when prescribing yoga to improve muscle strength and endurance.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 256-261 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice |
Volume | 31 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2018 |
Keywords
- Complementary medicine
- Gender
- Surface electromyography
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Complementary and alternative medicine