Trunk and hip muscle activation during yoga poses: Do sex-differences exist?

Objective To compare core activation during yoga between males and females. Methods Surface electromyography was used to quantify rectus abdominis (RA), abdominal obliques (AO), lumbar extensors (LE), and gluteus maximus (GMX) activation during four yoga poses. Data were expressed as 100% of a maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Mixed-model 2 × 2 analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to determine between-sex differences in muscle activity. Results Females generated greater RA activity than males during the High Plank ( P  < 0.0001) and Dominant-Side Warrior 1 ( P  = 0.017). They generated greater AO ( P  < 0.0001) and GMX ( P  = 0.004) activity during the High Plank ( P  < 0.0001). No between-sex EMG activity differences existed for the Chair and Upward Facing Dog. Conclusion Findings have provided preliminary evidence for between-sex differences in muscle activation during yoga poses. Clinicians should consider such differences when prescribing yoga to improve muscle strength and endurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]