Immediate electromyographic changes of the biceps brachii and upper rectus abdominis muscles due to the Pilates centring technique

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the electrical behaviour of the biceps brachii (BB) and upper rectus abdominis (URA) by surface electromyography (sEMG) during a forearm flexion with and without the Pilates centring technique.

Methods: Ten female subjects (with a minimum of one week of experience with the Pilates method) were recruited. The long head of the BB and URA were evaluated while an isotonic contraction of the BB was performed using the Pilates breathing technique and powerhouse contraction, followed by another contraction without these techniques. The data were normalised by a maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Normality was accepted, and the paired t-test was used to determine data differences (p < 0.05).

Results: The recruitment increased with the centring technique for both muscles, with greater activity during the concentric compared to the eccentric phase. In addition, this last phase, the centring activation was greater than without the Pilates technique.

Conclusion: The Pilates method seems to influence the increase in BB activity during dynamic contraction, especially during the eccentric phase.