Muscle activation during exercise with resistance bands and weights (dumbbells)

Aim. To compare muscle activation during 3 traditional exercises with resistance bands and dumbbells. Materials and methods. Muscle activity was measured in 15 men aged 33-45 by surface electromyography. All physical activities with resistance bands and dumbbells were compared with the 10-repetition maximum test. Results. Resistance bands caused a slight decrease in muscle activity in the pectoralis major and posterior deltoid. However, resistance bands significantly increase muscle activation in the perceived accessory muscles, namely the anterior deltoid and the middle and trapezius deltoid muscles. This can be explained by the fact that resistance bands are a more unstable method of resistance. During the Biceps Curl test, there was a significant difference in the activation of the Biceps Brachii. During the rowing exercise, no significant difference in activation was observed. Conclusion. The results obtained showed that resistance bands could be successfully used instead of or together with traditional strength training and were safe and effective when used correctly.