Neuromuscular activation following anti-movement and dynamic core training: a randomized controlled comparative study.

Background: This study investigated the effects of anti-movement and dynamic core training on neuromuscular activation in trained men using surface electromyography (sEMG).

Methods: Thirty-six participants were randomized into the anti-movement (AMG), traditional dynamic (TDG), or control (CG) groups in a controlled study. Training groups performed core exercises twice weekly for 6 weeks, with standardized time under tension (AMG: 30-s isometric holds; TDG: 30 s with 12 repetitions). Anterior and posterior trunk muscle activation was measured using sEMG during isometric endurance tests pre- and post-intervention.

Results: Significant time and interaction effects were observed for lumbar erector spinae (LES) activation (F = 3.784, p = 0.029), with AMG (p = 0.016) and TDG (p = 0.004) outperforming CG. A significant enhancement in external oblique (EO; η² = 0.17, p = 0.023) and internal oblique (IO; η² = 0.30, p = 0.003) activation was observed in the AMG compared to the CG. Both training groups improved LES (η² = 0.37, p = 0.001) and multifidus (η² = 0.19, p = 0.016) activation (p < 0.017). Within-group analysis showed significant pre-to-post improvements across all muscles (p < 0.05, effect size r = 0.48-0.63). Greater reductions in muscle activation (22.17%-53%) were demonstrated by the AMG compared to the TDG (16.18%-28.82%), suggesting improved neuromuscular efficiency.

Conclusion: Anti-movement core training effectively enhances trunk muscle neuromuscular activation and efficiency, providing a robust alternative to traditional protocols.