Is the plank exercise suitable for Everyone? An electromyographic comparison between trained and untrained...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Biomechanics
• Sports Science

Background:

• The plank exercise is widely used for core strengthening.
• Previous research has not compared plank performance between trained and untrained individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in muscle activation during isometric plank execution between trained and untrained individuals.
• To identify specific muscle groups showing varied activation patterns based on training status.

Main Methods:

• Thirty healthy subjects were divided into trained (n=15) and untrained (n=15) groups.
• Participants performed an isometric plank to voluntary muscle failure.
• Electromyography (EMG) monitored activation in seven key core muscles across three exercise phases.

Main Results:

• Untrained individuals exhibited significantly greater activation in the erector spinae and multifidus muscles compared to trained individuals.
• Higher multifidus activation was observed in untrained individuals during early and middle phases.
• Elevated erector spinae activation persisted across all phases in the untrained group.

Conclusions:

• The isometric plank's effectiveness varies between trained and untrained individuals.
• Individualized selection of core strengthening exercises is recommended based on training background.