Comparison of the electromyographic activity of the anterior trunk during the execution of two Pilates exercises – teaser and longspine – for healthy people

This study compared abdominal electromyographic (EMG) activity during the performance of Pilates’ exercises. 16 females participated in the study. EMG signals of the rectus abdominis (RA) and external oblique (EO) were recorded during Longspine performed on the mat, Cadillac, and Reformer and the Teaser performed on the mat, Cadillac, and Combo-chair. Values were normalized by the EMG peak of a dynamic task and divided in concentric and eccentric phases. Longspine performed on the mat increased EO activity in the concentric phase more than on the Reformer and the Cadillac (Mean Difference (MD) = 12.2%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [3.36; 21.04]; p = .04). Differences in the eccentric phase of the RA favored the mat compared to the Reformer (MD = 5.20%; 95% CI [−0.55; 10.95]; p = .02). Significant differences in eccentric contraction of the RA were found for teaser exercise performed on the mat versus Cadillac (MD = 1.1%; 95% CI [−4.13; 6.33]; p = .04) and the mat versus the Combo-chair (MD = 6.3%; 95% CI [1.31; 11.29]; p = .005). Higher concentric activation values for the EO were found when the teaser exercise was performed on the Cadillac. Exercises performed on the mat required greater rectus abdominis activation.