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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Muscle Function Obtained with Motion Mode Ultrasound and Surface Electromyography during Core Endurance Exercise
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Muscle Activation during Push-Ups with Different Suspension Training Systems.

Joaquin Calatayud1, Sebastien Borreani1, Juan C Colado1

  • 1Research Group in Sport and Health, Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health, Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Valencia , Valencia, Spain.

Journal of Sports Science & Medicine
|September 2, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Suspended push-ups, particularly with a pulley system, significantly enhance upper body and core muscle activation compared to standard push-ups. This method is effective for increasing muscle activity, especially in the rectus abdominis.

Keywords:
EMGcoreexercisetrunkunstable

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Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Sports Science

Background:

  • Push-ups are a fundamental exercise for upper body and core strength.
  • Suspension training offers variable resistance and instability, potentially altering muscle activation patterns.
  • Understanding the specific muscle engagement with different suspension devices is crucial for optimizing training.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare upper extremity and core muscle activation during push-ups using various suspension devices.
  • To identify which suspension system elicits the highest muscle activity.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-nine young, fit male university students participated.
  • Participants performed three push-ups using four different suspension systems under controlled speed.
  • Electromyography (EMG) measured muscle activation (root mean square) of key upper body and core muscles, normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC).

Main Results:

  • The suspended push-up with a pulley system demonstrated the greatest overall muscle activation (37.76% MVIC).
  • Pulley systems significantly increased activation in the triceps brachii, upper trapezius, rectus femoris, and erector spinae.
  • More stable conditions (standard push-up, parallel bands) favored pectoralis major and anterior deltoid activation, while all suspension types effectively activated the rectus abdominis.

Conclusions:

  • Suspended push-ups, especially with a pulley system, are superior for increasing upper extremity and core muscle activation compared to floor push-ups.
  • A pulley system is optimal for targeting triceps, trapezius, erector spinae, and rectus femoris.
  • Stable suspension conditions are better for pectoral and deltoid engagement, and all suspension devices are effective for abdominal training.