The effect in the quadriceps muscle activity between with and without upper limb support during front bridge exercise

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in quadriceps muscle activity between front bridges with and without upper limb support while using the distal tibia as a fulcrum. Participants were 13 healthy university students. Surface electromyography was recorded at the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis oblique, and weightbearing load on the distal tibia was measured. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test. Quadriceps activity during front bridges was significantly higher without upper limb support than with upper limb support (p<0.01), while weightbearing load on the distal tibia during front bridges was significantly lower without upper limb support than with upper limb support (p<0.01). These results suggest that front bridges without upper limb support are more effective in strengthening the quadriceps muscle.