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Clinical Trials/NCT07741799
NCT07741799CompletedNot Applicable

The Effect of Heel-Raise Variations in Mat and Reformer Bridge Exercises on Muscle Activation : A Surface Electromyography Study

Istinye University1 site in 1 country30 target enrollmentStarted: December 14, 2025Last updated:
Conditions

Trial Snapshot

Phase
Not Applicable
Status
Completed
Enrollment
30
Locations
1
Primary Endpoint
Surface Electromyographic Muscle Activation (%MVIC) during bridge exercises

Study Overview

Brief Summary

This study aimed to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of trunk and lower extremity muscles during double-leg bridge and double-leg bridge with heel raise exercises performed on a mat and on a reformer with different spring resistances. Thirty healthy women participated in this interventional study. Surface EMG was used to record the activity of the rectus abdominis, erector spinae, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles. The findings are expected to provide evidence for selecting appropriate bridge exercise variations and reformer spring resistance in physiotherapy and Pilates-based rehabilitation.

Detailed Description

Bridge exercises are commonly used in physiotherapy and Pilates-based rehabilitation to improve trunk stability and lower extremity muscle function. However, the effects of heel raise variation and different reformer spring resistances on muscle activation have not been fully investigated.

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the electromyographic activity of selected trunk and lower extremity muscles during double-leg bridge and double-leg bridge with heel raise exercises performed on a mat and on a reformer with five different spring resistance levels. Thirty healthy female participants were included. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to assess the activity of the rectus abdominis, erector spinae, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles. Muscle activity was normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC).

The results of this study may contribute to evidence-based exercise selection and optimization of reformer spring resistance for physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and Pilates applications.

Study Design

Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Na
Intervention Model
Single Group
Primary Purpose
Basic Science
Masking
None

Eligibility Criteria

Ages
18 Years to 40 Years (Adult)
Sex
Female
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Inclusion Criteria

  • Female participants Age between 18 and 40 years Healthy volunteers Able to perform bridge exercises Provided written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

  • History of spinal or lower extremity pain or surgery Neurological disorders Cardiovascular or respiratory conditions contraindicating exercise Pregnancy or less than 6 months postpartum Skin lesions preventing sEMG electrode placement Use of medications affecting neuromuscular function Postural deformities affecting exercise performance Musculoskeletal disorders affecting trunk or lower extremities

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Surface Electromyographic Muscle Activation (%MVIC) during bridge exercises

Time Frame: Baseline (single study visit)

Surface electromyographic (%MVIC) activity of the rectus abdominis, erector spinae, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, medial gastrocnemius and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during bridge exercises on the mat and reformer.

Surface Electromyographic Muscle Activation (%MVIC) during bridge and heel raise bridge exercises

Time Frame: Baseline (single study visit)

Surface electromyographic activity (%MVIC) of the rectus abdominis, erector spinae, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles measured during bridge and heel raise bridge exercises performed on a mat and on a reformer with different spring resistance levels.

Secondary Outcomes

No secondary outcomes reported

Investigators

Sponsor Class
Other
Responsible Party
Sponsor

Study Sites (1)

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