The Effect of Suspension Exercises on Muscular Activities: A Narrative Review

Öz

Suspension exercises are functional exercises that combine closed kinetic chain exercises with an unstable environment as an alternative to traditional strengthening exercises. The specific effects of suspension exercises on muscular activities must be better understood. Therefore, this review aimed to compare the activities of different muscles in suspension exercises with their traditional counterparts. For this purpose, a search was conducted using the Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Library databases in August 2022. Studies investigating the effect of suspension exercises on muscular activations and comparing them with their conventional counterparts were included in the review. Eight studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. It was observed that suspension exercises increased activation in most muscle groups compared to conventional exercises, while there was no difference in activation in specific muscles. Therefore, it is essential to use a combination of traditional and suspension exercises for optimal performance with individualized planning.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Muscle activation
• Suspension training
• Electromyography

Süspansiyon Egzersizlerinin Kassal Aktivasyonlar Üzerine Etkisi: Derleme

Öz

Süspansiyon egzersizleri, geleneksel kuvvetlendirme egzersizlerine alternatif uygulanan, kapalı kinetik zincir egzersizlerinin stabil olmayan ortam ile birleştiği fonksiyonel egzersizlerdir. Süspansiyon egzersizlerinin kassal aktivasyonlar üzerine spesifik etkileri tam olarak bilinmemektedir. Bu nedenle bu derlemenin amacı, süspansiyon egzersizlerinde farklı kasların aktivasyonlarını geleneksel benzerleri ile karşılaştırmaktı. Bu amaçla, Ağustos 2022 tarihinde Medline (PubMed), Embase ve Cochrane Library veritabanları kullanılarak arama yapıldı. Süspansiyon egzersizlerinin kassal aktivasyonlara etkisini araştıran ve geleneksel benzerleri ile karşılaştıran çalışmalar derlemeye dahil edildi. 8 çalışma içleme kriterlerini sağladı. Süspansiyon egzersizleri, geleneksel egzersizlere kıyasla kas gruplarının çoğunda aktivasyonu arttırırken belirli kaslarda aktivasyon farklılığı gözlenmedi. Bu nedenle bireye özgü planlama yapılarak, optimal performans için geleneksel ve süspansiyon egzersizlerinin kombine kullanılması önemlidir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Kas aktivasyonu
• Süspansiyon eğitimi
• Elektromiyografi

Kaynakça

1. 1. DiStefano, L. J., DiStefano, M. J., Frank, B. S., Clark, M. A., Padua, D. A. (2013). Comparison of integrated and isolated training on performance measures and neuromuscular control. J Strength Cond Res, 27(4), 1083-1090.
2. 2. Jordan, S. L., Brinkman, B., Harris, S., Cole, T., Ortiz, A. (2022). Core musculature co contraction during suspension training exercises. J Bodyw Mov Ther, 30, 82-88.
3. 3. Pastucha, D., Filipcikova, R., Bezdickova, M., Blazkova, Z., Oborna, I., Brezinova, J. et al. (2012). Clinical anatomy aspects of functional 3D training–case study. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub, 156(1), 63-9.
4. 4. Fitness Anywhere, L. L. C. (2013). TRX suspension training course user's guide. Fitness Anywhere LLC, San Francisco, Calif, USA.
5. 5. Byrne, J. M., Bishop, N. S., Caines, A. M., Crane, K. A., Feaver, A. M., Pearcey, G. E. (2014). Effect of using a suspension training system on muscle activation during the performance of a front plank exercise. J Strength Cond Res, 28(11), 3049-3055.
6. 6. Nowak, A., Morawiec, M., Gabrys, T., Nowak, Z., Szmatlan-Gabryś, U., Salcman, V. (2020). Effectiveness of resistance training with the use of a suspension system in patients after myocardial infarction. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 17(15), 5419.
7. 7. Mok, N. W., Yeung, E. W., Cho, J. C., Hui, S. C., Liu, K. C., Pang, C. H. (2015). Core muscle activity during suspension exercises. J Sci Med Sport, 18(2), 189-194.
8. 8. Bettendorf, B. (2010). TRX suspension training bodyweight exercises: scientific foundations and practical applications. San Francisco: Fitness Anywhere Inc.

9. 9. Calatayud, J., Borreani, S., Colado, J. C., Martín, F. F., Rogers, M. E., Behm, D. G. et al. (2014). Muscle activation during push-ups with different suspension training systems. J Sports Sci Med, 13(3), 502.
10. 10. Atkins, S. J., Bentley, I., Brooks, D., Burrows, M. P., Hurst, H. T., Sinclair, J. K. (2015). Electromyographic response of global abdominal stabilizers in response to stable-and unstable-base isometric exercise. J Strength Cond Res, 29(6), 1609-1615.
11. 11. Luk, J. T., Kwok, F. K., Ho, I. M., Wong, D. P. (2021). Acute responses of core muscle activity during bridge exercises on the floor vs. the suspension system. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 18(11), 5908.
12. 12. Harris, S., Ruffin, E., Brewer, W., Ortiz, A. (2017). Muscle activation patterns during suspension training exercises. Int J Sports Phys Ther, 12(1), 42.
13. 13. Krause, D. A., Elliott, J. J., Fraboni, D. F., McWilliams, T. J., Rebhan, R. L., Hollman, J. H. (2018). Electromyography of the hip and thigh muscles during two variations of the lunge exercise: a cross- sectional study. Int J Sports Phys Ther, 13(2), 137.
14. 14. Miller, W. M., Barnes, J. T., Sofo, S. S., Wagganer, J. D. (2019). Comparison of myoelectric activity during a suspension-based and traditional split squat. J Strength Cond Res, 33(12), 3236-3241.
15. 15. Snarr, R. L., Esco, M. R. (2013). Electromyographic comparison of traditional and suspension push-ups. J Hum Kinet, 39, 75.
16. 16. Ayotte, N. W., Stetts, D. M., Keenan, G., Greenway, E. H. (2007). Electromyographical analysis of selected lower extremity muscles during 5 unilateral weight-bearing exercises. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 37(2), 48-55.