The Effect of Performing Bi- and Unilateral Row Exercises on Core Muscle Activation

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Neuromuscular Function

Background:

• Core muscle activation is crucial for stabilizing the trunk during resistance exercises.
• Different rowing variations and movement patterns (unilateral vs. bilateral) may differentially engage core musculature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of core muscles during free-weight bent-over rows, seated cable rows, and machine rows.
• To investigate the effects of unilateral versus bilateral performance on core muscle activation at matched effort levels.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen resistance-trained men performed unilateral and bilateral free-weight bent-over rows, seated cable rows, and machine rows in a randomized order.
• Surface EMG was used to measure muscle activation in the erector spinae, multifidus, external oblique, and rectus abdominis.
• Exercises were performed at matched effort levels to ensure comparable intensity.

Main Results:

• Free-weight rows demonstrated higher erector spinae EMG activity compared to machine rows, both unilaterally and bilaterally.
• Unilateral performance consistently resulted in greater external oblique activation than bilateral performance across all exercise types.
• Bilateral performance generally yielded higher EMG activity for the erector spinae and multifidus compared to unilateral performance.

Conclusions:

• Free-weight rowing exercises appear more effective for engaging the erector spinae and multifidus compared to machine variations.
• Unilateral execution of rowing exercises preferentially recruits the external oblique muscle.
• Bilateral performance of rowing exercises generally leads to greater activation of the erector spinae and multifidus muscles.