Activation amplitude patterns do not change for back muscles but are altered for abdominal muscles between dominant and non-dominant hands during one-handed lifts

Heather L. Butler, Cheryl L. Hubley-Kozey, John W. Kozey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

It is assumed when lifting with the dominant hand that the relationship between contralateral and ipsilateral trunk muscle responses are similar to when lifting with the non-dominant hand. The purpose of this study was to quantify trunk muscle activation amplitude patterns during right- and left-handed lifts. Surface electromyography (EMG) and kinematic variables were recorded from 29 healthy subjects. Minimal trunk and pelvis motion was observed. Three principal patterns accounted for 95% of the variation in the EMG data indicating minimal variation in the pattern. Significant differences in scores captured different recruitment strategies for reach and hand. Selective and differential recruitment of back sites characterized lifts at greater distances from the body, whereas co-activation between internal oblique and back sites characterized lifts closer to the body. While the results showed no handedness effect for back muscles, the external oblique responded differently between right- and left-handed lifts. Specific recruitment strategies were used to account for subtle changes in reach and asymmetrical demands.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)95-104
Number of pages10
JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology
Volume106
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Acknowledgments The authors would like to acknowledge the Wnancial support from The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (NSHRF) and specialized assistance from J. Crouse, N. Hill, M. Abbott, J. Boulay and C. Cameron.

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Physiology (medical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Activation amplitude patterns do not change for back muscles but are altered for abdominal muscles between dominant and non-dominant hands during one-handed lifts'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this