Effect of Reformer Spring Resistance Modifications on Core Muscle Activity During Basic Core Muscle Exercises
Hee-Jeong Kim1, Jung-Ha Sung1, Jae-Kyun Ryu1,2
1Graduate School of Physical Education, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 17, 2024
Summary
Pilates Reformer spring resistance significantly impacts core muscle activity, with lower resistance increasing activation during exercises like hip roll and knee-off. This instability is crucial for rehabilitation and core stability programs.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Core muscles are vital for spinal stabilization during movement.
- The Pilates Reformer is a key apparatus for core-focused exercises.
- Understanding the influence of resistance on core muscle engagement is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how varying Reformer spring resistance affects core muscle activity.
- To determine the impact of platform instability on muscle engagement during Pilates exercises.
Main Methods:
- 18 healthy females performed three core exercises (hip roll, knee-off, elephant).
- Surface electromyography measured activity in six key core and leg muscles.
- Exercises were performed under three conditions: fixed platform, low-resistance, and moderate-resistance springs.
Main Results:
- Low-resistance springs significantly increased rectus abdominis and erector spinae activity during hip rolls.
- Knee-off and elephant exercises showed increased rectus abdominis and multifidus activity with low-resistance springs.
- Platform instability from springs enhanced core muscle activation across tested exercises.
Conclusions:
- Reformer spring resistance, particularly low resistance, enhances core muscle activation.
- Platform instability is a critical factor influencing core engagement in Pilates.
- Consider spring-induced instability for optimizing rehabilitation and core stability training.
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