Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
09:21
Muscle Function Obtained with Motion Mode Ultrasound and Surface Electromyography during Core Endurance Exercise
Published on: August 25, 2022
Trunk muscle activation during moderate- and high-intensity running
David G Behm1, Dario Cappa, Geoffrey A Power
1School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada. dbehm@mun.ca
Summary
Running activates trunk muscles more effectively than specific calisthenic exercises, offering combined cardiovascular and core benefits. This makes running an efficient, multifunctional exercise for improving core strength and endurance.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
Background:
- Time constraints are a significant barrier to consistent exercise adherence.
- Integrating multiple training functions into single exercises can reduce time demands.
- Understanding trunk muscle activation during different activities is crucial for optimizing training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare trunk muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity during running versus specific calisthenic exercises.
- To investigate differences in EMG activity between triathletes and nonrunners during these activities.
- To determine the efficiency of running for trunk muscle activation.
Main Methods:
- Electromyographic (EMG) activity of external obliques, lower abdominals, and erector spinae was measured.
- Participants included triathletes and active nonrunners.
- Activities included treadmill running at varying intensities and specific calisthenic exercises (curl-ups, back extensions).
Main Results:
- Triathletes exhibited greater trunk muscle activation (external obliques, lower abdominals, lumbosacral erector spinae) than nonrunners during running.
- Running elicited less EMG activity in external obliques compared to curl-ups.
- Back extension exercises showed lower upper and lumbosacral erector spinae EMG activity than running.
Conclusions:
- Running effectively activates key trunk-stabilizing muscles, potentially contributing to enhanced performance.
- Running is a more effective exercise for activating back-stabilizing muscles than prolonged back extension.
- Running offers a time-efficient, multifunctional exercise option for both cardiovascular and trunk endurance.
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