Electromyographic effect of using different attentional foci during the front plank exercise

Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether an internal focus on different core muscles during the isometric prone plank exercise increase muscle activity. Design: Twenty university students performed 5 different conditions: regular prone plank (external focus) and prone plank with an internal focus on different muscles. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals were recorded for the upper rectus abdominis (UP ABS), lower rectus abdominis (LOW ABS), external oblique (OBLIQ) and lumbar erector spinae (LUMB). Results: For the UP ABS, an internal focus on using any muscle increased activity. For the LOW ABS, internal focus on any muscle except the LUMB increased activity. No changes were found for OBLIQ and LUMB activity. Conclusion: UP ABS and LOW ABS activities increased during an internal focus on the abdominal muscles. OBLIQ and LUMB activities were non-affected by an internal focus on any muscle. Keywords: bridging, low back, focus, core, trunk, mind-muscle