Angle-Specific Upper and Lower Body Muscle Activation in Suspension Training

NCT ID: NCT07127211

Last Updated: 2025-08-20

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Total Enrollment: 26 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2019-01-03
• Study Completion Date: 2019-11-22

Brief Summary

The study aims to compare differences in muscle activation during push-ups performed at five body angles using different suspension methods. The investigators will recruit 20 healthy men with resistance-training experience. Each participant will perform push-ups under three suspension conditions (no suspension, hands suspended, and feet suspended) at +30°, +15°, 0°, -15°, and -30°. For each angle, participants will complete five repetitions with 3-5 minutes of rest between angles; at least 48 hours will separate suspension conditions. Surface electromyography (EMG) will record activity of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, triceps brachii, upper trapezius, and serratus anterior. EMG amplitudes will be normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). Data will be analyzed using a repeated-measures two-way ANOVA to test the effects of suspension type and angle on muscle activation. The a priori hypothesis is that feet-suspended push-ups will elicit greater activation than other conditions, and that lower body angles will be associated with higher activation levels.

Conditions

Healthy Volunteers

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: COHORT
• Study Time Perspective: CROSS_SECTIONAL

Interventions

Suspension and Stable Push-Up Training at Multiple Angles

Participants will perform push-ups under three suspension conditions: (1) no suspension (hands and feet on a stable surface), (2) hands suspended using TRX straps, and (3) feet suspended using TRX straps. Each condition will be performed at five different body angles relative to the floor: +30°, +15°, 0°, -15°, and -30° (0° defined as shoulder joints aligned with ankle joints when arms are extended).

For each angle, participants will complete five repetitions, with 3-5 minutes of rest between angles and at least 48 hours of rest between suspension conditions to minimize fatigue effects. All exercises will be conducted under supervision to ensure correct form and safety.

Surface electromyography (EMG) will record muscle activity from the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, triceps brachii, upper trapezius, and serratus anterior. EMG data will be processed as root mean square (RMS) and normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC).

This intervention is designed to dete

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Healthy male adults with ≥3 months of regular resistance-training experience.
• Able to independently perform a standard push-up with proper form.
• Willing to follow pre-session restrictions (e.g., avoid strenuous exercise within 24 h) and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

• Physician-diagnosed cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pulmonary disease, or arthritis.
• Major surgery or severe injury within the past 12 months that affects physical activity.
• Current pain, injury, or functional limitation of the upper or lower limbs or trunk that would interfere with push-up performance.
• Any medical condition judged by the investigators to make participation unsafe.

• Eligible Sex: MALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

TSUNG-LIN CHIANG

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

TSUNG-LIN CHIANG

Researcher

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Chinese Culture University

Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwan

Countries

Taiwan

Other Identifiers

No. 10711HS080

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id