Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify changes in the magnitude of muscle activity in the upper trapezius muscle group during a 2-minute push-up test.

Methods: Twenty-six college-aged males performed a 2-minute standardized push-up test. Upper Trapezius (UT) muscle activity was recorded throughout the test using surface electromyographic (EMG) electrodes. Individual portable force plates placed under each hand recorded the percent of body weight as a representation of force output over the hands throughout the bout.

Results: Normalized muscle activity increased (p=0.23) from the start to the end of the bout, while force output decreased significantly (p=0.00) throughout the bout.

Conclusion: The decrease in force output through the hands does not appear to coincide with increased activity in the upper trapezius. It is speculated that the decrease in force output at the end of the bout is a result of the lower body supporting a larger percent of body weight (likely observed through increased hip flexion); an altered body position that requires less activation of the UT.

Keywords: Body weight; Force output; Muscle activity; Technique