Abstract
In order to increase muscle contraction of musculus gluteus maximus, PNF pattern was performed on upper extremity during bridging (Br), and muscle activities were analyzed. Twelve male subjects received PNF patterns on left upper extremity (extension-abduction-incycloduction, flexion-abduction-excycloduction) during Br. Each PNF pattern was done twice, and the subjects performed the maximum isometric contraction at the middle range for 7 sec. The measured muscles were musculus gluteus maximus and musculus erector spinae of both sides, and the root mean square (RMS) was obtained from 5-sec static data of electromyogram. RMS was statistically examined by the analysis of variance and multiple comparison test, and statistical tests were considered significant at P<0.05. A significant greater muscle activities of musculus gluteus maximus of right side and of musculus erector spinae of both sides were obtained in flexion-abduction-excycloduction pattern, compared with extension-abduction-incycloduction pattern. This suggests that the combination of PNF pattern of upper extremity and Br may affect the medulla spinalis-medulla oblongata-medulla spinalis reflex from the neurophysiological viewpoint.
