Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shijonawate Gakuen University, Daito, Osaka, Japan | [b] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan | [c] Sports Medicine Center, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan | [d] Faculty of Rehabilitation, Naragakuen University, Sango, Japan | [e] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe Kaisei Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan | [f] Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Yuichi Hoshino, MD, PhD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, %****␣ies-30-ies210169_temp.tex␣Line␣25␣**** Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan. Tel.: +81 783 825 985; Fax: +81 783 516 944; E-mail: you.1.hoshino@gmail.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Handstand is the most important fundamental skill in gymnastics. A gradual and well-balanced increase in muscle loading in a manner is preferred for young beginners and/or recovering gymnasts to safely achieve the muscle strength required to perform a stable handstand. OBJECTIVE: To examine upper limb muscle activity during different levels of handstand training positions. METHODS: This study utilized four different positions for progressive handstand training; namely, the 90, 135, elbow stand, and handstand positions. The activities of eight upper limb muscles (upper, middle, and lower trapezius; serratus anterior; anterior and middle deltoid; infraspinatus; and latissimus dorsi were measured by surface electromyography (EMG) for each position. The percentages of EMG in each muscle compared to the values during maximum voluntary contraction were calculated and compared between the positions. RESULTS: Muscle activity around the shoulder increased gradually throughout the progression of the four handstand training positions. Furthermore, the muscles required for scapular stabilization, such as the upper and middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles, were activated at levels similar to those for a handstand without performing this movement. CONCLUSIONS: A progressive handstand training program of four different positions resulted in gradual and well-balanced increases in muscle activity.
