Comparative analysis of core muscle activation according to the use of props and the different knee angle during the...

There are not so many Pilates studies related to muscle activation. Since the effectiveness and efficiency of the Pilates Hundred to muscle activation has recently emerged, it is necessary to investigate the effects of the Pilates Hundred on core muscles.

The purpose of this study was to determine what difference occurs in the muscle activity, during the Pilates Hundred, to suggest the optimal props for muscle function improvement and then to provide data for the efficient exercise program.

Twenty-eight men in their twenties who were able to fully conduct Pilates Hundred. According to the difference between the small tool application (no prop: NP, soft ball mini: SB, Pilates ring: PR) and the knee joint angle (90° and 180°), muscle activations of rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), rectus femoris (RF), lateral muscle (vastus lateralis: VL), medial muscle (vastus medialis: VM), biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST) were measured by the using surface electromyography (EMG) while different exercise conditions.

During Pilates Hundred, the use of tools was found to be more effective in activating the core muscle (NP < SB < PR). During Pilates Hundred, 180° of knee angle had more influence on core muscle activation than 90°, and knee angle and props use showed an interaction for activating core muscles.

The Pilates Hundred with PR and 180° knee angle intervention can increase core muscle activation, and this leads to effective Pilates exercise program for those who need to enhance core muscle volume and function and to rehabilitate core muscles.