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Backseat Inclination Affects the Myoelectric Activation During the Inclined Leg Press Exercise in Recreationally
Paulo H Marchetti1, Willy A Gomes2,3, Josinaldo J Da Silva2
1Resistance Training Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, California.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|May 15, 2023
Summary
Altering the backseat angle during inclined leg press (ILP) affects muscle activation. A 125° angle increases vastus lateralis activation, while a 90° angle boosts biceps femoris activity in recreationally trained men.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- The inclined leg press (ILP) is a common resistance exercise.
- Variations in exercise biomechanics, such as seat-backrest angle, can influence muscle engagement.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing training programs and maximizing exercise effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different backseat inclinations affect myoelectric activity during the ILP exercise.
- To compare muscle activation patterns between a 90° and a 125° angle during ILP in recreationally trained men.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen recreationally trained men performed the ILP exercise at 70% of their body mass.
- Surface electromyography (EMG) measured myoelectric activity of the vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), and gluteus maximus (GM).
- Two angles were tested: ILP90° (90° between seat and backrest) and ILP125° (125° between seat and backrest).
Main Results:
- Greater hip joint displacement was observed during ILP125° compared to ILP90°.
- The vastus lateralis (VL) showed significantly higher myoelectric activation during ILP125°.
- The biceps femoris (BF) demonstrated significantly greater myoelectric activation during ILP90°.
- No significant differences in myoelectric activation were found for the gluteus maximus (GM) between the two angles.
Conclusions:
- The backseat inclination angle significantly alters the myoelectric activation of the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris during the inclined leg press.
- ILP125° appears more effective for targeting the vastus lateralis, while ILP90° may preferentially activate the biceps femoris.
- The gluteus maximus activation remains consistent across both tested angles.
