Suspension devices for physical conditioning have increased the work possibilities of the professionals that use devices that generate instability. Manufacturers recommend their use at different heights above the floor (low, medium, and high position) to increase the exercise intensity.

Suspension devices for physical conditioning have increased the work possibilities of the professionals that use devices that generate instability. Manufacturers recommend their use at different heights above the floor (low, medium, and high position) to increase the exercise intensity.PURPOSE: To compare agonist and lumbopelvic muscular activation during push-ups performed on suspension training devices with different heights.METHODS: 30 physically fit and healthy subjects took part in a counterbalanced, within-subject design assessment. Muscular activation was evaluated in Multifidus Lumbar (MFL), Erector Espinae Thoracic (EET), External Oblicue (OE), Rectus Femoris (RF), Pectoral Majoris (PM), Serratus (S), Deltoid Clavicular Head (DCH) and Triceps Brachii Lateral (TBL), during execution of 5 push-ups at different heights (i.e. low and medium) using a suspension device. Surface electromyography was recorded and the peak root mean square values were calculated for each condition and execution. The maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) was evaluated for the normalization of the electromyographic signal. All values, expressed as the % MIVC, were compared using a Student’s paired T-test analysis. Significance level was set at p<0.05.RESULTS: Differences between each condition are shown in the table 1.CONCLUSION: Push-ups performed with a suspension device at medium height compared with low height provoke significantly greater activation in PM; however, push-ups performed at medium height provoke significantly greater activation in RF. These results could help to determinate intensity level of the exercise.