Effect of verbal reinforcement on electromyographic activity and execution time during the traditional front plank exercise in physically active individuals

Introduction

Although verbal reinforcement has been shown to influence physical performance, its effects during the traditional front plank exercise – particularly on muscle activation and endurance – remain underexplored.

Objective

To analyze the effect of verbal reinforcement on electromyographic activity and execution time during the traditional front plank exercise in physically active individuals.

Method

The study involved male and female participants who underwent muscle electrical activity assessment using Noraxon's TeleMyo Clinical receiver. Electromyographic activity of the rectus abdominis, lumbar erector spinae, gluteus medius, rectus femoris, adductor longus, and biceps femoris muscles was measured under two conditions: with and without verbal reinforcement.

Results

Thirty participants (10 men, 20 women) with a mean age of 29.3 years were included. The execution time of the plank was significantly longer when verbal reinforcement was used compared to the condition without reinforcement. These results suggest that verbal reinforcement positively influences plank exercise performance in physically active individuals.

Conclusion

Verbal reinforcement increases electromyographic activity and endurance during the traditional front plank exercise. A weak positive correlation was found between spinal erector activation and weekly physical activity. These results may assist therapists, trainers, and rehabilitation professionals in optimizing exercise prescription, improving core stability training, and enhancing adherence and performance in clinical settings.