Author and graduation date: Cynthia Marie HABIB, July, 1998

Committee members: Patricia Patterson (Chair), Denise Wiksten, Rovert Pozos

Thesis title: Electromyographic Activity of Abdominal and Neck Musculature During Curl-Ups With and Without an AB-Roller

The differences between the amplitude and frequency parameters of the sternocleidomastoid and the rectus abdominus during a curl-up exercise (CU) with and without the use of an ab-roller (AR) were investigated in 18 adults (10 men, 8 women), ranging from 18-32 years old. Participants performed CU with and without the use of an AR until volitional fatigue. The amplitude and frequency parameters of the EMG signal were analyzed and compared with one-way repeated measures ANOVAS. Results indicated a significant difference between the conditions for the rectus abdominus (F(1, 17) = 0.045; p= 0.834) mean power frequency (MPF) slope measurements, with the slope for the CU being higher. A non-significant difference was found for the sternocleidomastoid MPF slope measurements (F(1, 17) = 0.045; p = 0.834). Results from the average electromyography (aEMG) slope measurements indicated a significant difference between the conditions for the sternocleidomastoid (F(1, 17) = 24.916; p = 0.097). Results of the one-way repeated measure performed on the time to fatigue indicated a significant difference between CU with and without the use of an AR (F(1, 17) = 5.503; p = 0.031), with the condition with the AR being longer. These results suggest that an ab-roller may be beneficial in alleviating some neck discomfort and allow the individual to exercise for a longer amount of time. Future study should be directed towards examining different CU protocols and comparing healthy individuals to those with low back pain.

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