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Abdominal strengthening using the AbVice machine as measured by surface electromyographic activation levels
Lori Avedisian1, Don S Kowalsky, Richard C Albro
1Department of Physical Therapy, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut 06518, USA. Avedisian@Quinnipiac.edu
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|August 13, 2005
Summary
The AbVice device significantly enhanced abdominal muscle activation compared to other popular abdominal exercise equipment. This study found AbVice superior for engaging core muscles during crunches.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology
- Muscle Activation Analysis
- Human Performance Studies
Background:
- Abdominal strengthening devices aim to improve core strength and stability.
- Existing devices like the AbRoller and AbRocker have varying efficacies.
- The AbVice is a novel device designed to enhance abdominal muscle engagement by incorporating hamstring and gluteal contraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of the AbVice abdominal strengthening device against the AbRoller and AbRocker.
- To investigate if the AbVice can increase abdominal muscle activity by potentially reducing hip flexor involvement through reflex inhibition.
- To evaluate abdominal muscle activation levels during crunches performed with different devices.
Main Methods:
- A repeated-measures study involving 24 college students (17 women, 7 men).
- Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure activation levels of the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles.
- Subjects performed 10 repetitions of crunches using four conditions: AbRocker, AbRoller, standard crunch, and AbVice, with counterbalancing to control for fatigue.
Main Results:
- The AbVice demonstrated significantly higher mean EMG activation levels (1,165.21 mV) compared to the AbRocker (242.92 mV), standard crunch (753.29 mV), and AbRoller (757.67 mV).
- Statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test) confirmed significant differences (p = 0.01) between most conditions, with AbVice showing superior activation.
- Both men and women exhibited greater abdominal muscle activation with the AbVice across all measured sites.
Conclusions:
- The AbVice is more effective at activating the targeted abdominal musculature than the AbRoller, AbRocker, and standard crunch exercises.
- The design of the AbVice may facilitate greater abdominal muscle recruitment, potentially due to its effect on hip flexor activity.
- Further research could explore long-term effects and optimal usage protocols for the AbVice.