Comparison of the Effect of Plank Exercise and Hip Walking on Abdominal Muscles Activity

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine changes to the abdominal muscle activity, after Plank exercise and Hip walking exercise and to compare the effects of the two exercise methods. Methods: Thirty-two subjects were randomly assigned to either a Plank exercise group (n=16 ; 8 male and 8 female) or a Hip walking exercise group (n=16 ; 8 male and 8 female). Plank exercise was performed five times per week during 6 weeks. The first week was performed 3sets a day(1set program; 30 second hold-30 second rest), and then increased by 1set per week. Hip walking exercise was performed for 30 second, once a day, five times per week, during 6 weeks. The muscle activities of abdominal muscles(external oblique, rectus abdominis) were measured before, after 3 weeks and after 6 weeks of exercise by using a wireless surface electromyogram(EMG). The normalized EMG activities were compared using a one-way repeated ANOVA, and if there is statistically significant difference, a Bonferroni was used as post-hoc. Independent t-test was used to compare differences between groups. All statistical significance level was set at p<.05. Results: The results of this study were as follows. In both groups, there were a variation of abdominal muscle activities. It has been increased significantly after exercise more than before. To be specific, the activity has been increased more 6 weeks later than 3 weeks. But there was no significant difference between the both groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that plank exercise and hip walking exercise can be useful method for people to increase muscle activity in a short time, regardless of place.