Effects of Different Bridge Exercises for the Elderly on Trunk and Gluteal Muscles

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to show the effects of different bridge exercises for the elderly on trunk and gluteal muscles. [Subjects] Twenty elderly persons were recruited. [Methods] The EMG activities of the right side L5 paraspinal, external abdominal oblique (EO), and gluteus maximus (GM) muscles were measured during three bridge exercises: conditions 1, 2, and 3. [Results] The EMG activities of the for the L5 paraspinal, EO, and GM muscles showed significant differences among the 3 bridge exercise conditions. The EMG activity of the EO muscle significantly increased in the order of condition 1<2<3. The EMG activity of the GM muscle also significantly increased in the order of condition 1<2<3. [Conclusion] Bridge exercises with special boards are effective exercises because they help to strengthen and develop the EO and GM muscles that help to stabilize the spine of the elderly.