Comparison of muscle activities during four different adductor longus muscle targeted Pilates exercises

BACKGROUND : Each motion of Pilates is designed to strengthen a particular muscle or some motions target to strengthen an identical muscle. Therefore, it is necessary to be certain for instructors which of the motion would be the most beneficial to a particular muscle or the most effective on the muscle. The objective of the present study was to compare Adductor Longus muscle activities among four Pilates motions. METHODS: Sixteen young adults participated in the study. To evaluate the muscle activity level among the motions, three maximum value of RMS during each motion were collected. This measured data was analyzed by one-way repeated measure ANOVA and Pairwise comparisons to find out the differences between the maximum EMG values. RESULTLTS: The results suggested that the peak EMG level during PSB or BDG was statistically smaller than PS1 or PS2. CONCLUSIONS: Pillow Squeeze applied motions with the thigh perpendicular to the floor was especially effective to activate the AL muscles. The findings from the present study would give an insightful thought about better design of strength and conditioning programs.