Angle-Specific Upper and Lower Body Muscle Activation in Suspension Training

The study aims to compare differences in muscle activation during push-ups performed at five body angles using different suspension methods. The investigators will recruit 20 healthy men with resistance-training experience. Each participant will perform push-ups under three suspension conditions (no suspension, hands suspended, and feet suspended) at +30°, +15°, 0°, -15°, and -30°. For each angle, participants will complete five repetitions with 3-5 minutes of rest between angles; at least 48 hours will separate suspension conditions. Surface electromyography (EMG) will record activity of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, triceps brachii, upper trapezius, and serratus anterior. EMG amplitudes will be normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). Data will be analyzed using a repeated-measures two-way ANOVA to test the effects of suspension type and angle on muscle activation. The a priori hypothesis is that feet-suspended push-ups will elicit greater activation than other conditions, and that lower body angles will be associated with higher activation levels.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Volunteers

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Chinese Culture University

Taipei, Taiwan, 11114

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Healthy male adults with ≥3 months of regular resistance-training experience.
Able to independently perform a standard push-up with proper form.
Willing to follow pre-session restrictions (e.g., avoid strenuous exercise within 24 h) and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

Physician-diagnosed cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pulmonary disease, or arthritis.
Major surgery or severe injury within the past 12 months that affects physical activity.
Current pain, injury, or functional limitation of the upper or lower limbs or trunk that would interfere with push-up performance.
Any medical condition judged by the investigators to make participation unsafe.

Treatment and study plan

Suspension and Stable Push-Up Training at Multiple Angles

Behavioral

Participants will perform push-ups under three suspension conditions: (1) no suspension (hands and feet on a stable surface), (2) hands suspended using TRX straps, and (3) feet suspended using TRX straps. Each condition will be performed at five different body angles relative to the floor: +30°, +15°, 0°, -15°, and -30° (0° defined as shoulder joints aligned with ankle joints when arms are extended).

For each angle, participants will complete five repetitions, with 3-5 minutes of rest between angles and at least 48 hours of rest between suspension conditions to minimize fatigue effects. All exercises will be conducted under supervision to ensure correct form and safety.

Surface electromyography (EMG) will record muscle activity from the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, triceps brachii, upper trapezius, and serratus anterior. EMG data will be processed as root mean square (RMS) and normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC).

This intervention is designed to dete

Primary outcomes

Muscle Activation (%MVIC) of Upper Body Muscles During Suspension and Stable Push-Ups at Different Angles

Time frame: Baseline measurement during each exercise condition within 4 weeks of study start

Surface electromyography (EMG) will measure the root mean square (RMS) activity of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, triceps brachii, upper trapezius, and serratus anterior during push-ups performed under three suspension conditions (no suspension, hands suspended, feet suspended) at five body angles (+30°, +15°, 0°, -15°, -30°). RMS values will be normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). Comparisons will be made using repeated-measures two-way ANOVA to determine the effects of suspension condition and angle on muscle activation.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

TSUNG-LIN CHIANG

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Angle-Specific Upper and Lower Body Muscle Activation in Suspension Push-Ups: An Electromyographic Analysis Across Different Body Angles

Important dates

Study start: 2019
Primary completion: 2019
Study completion: 2019
First posted: Aug 17, 2025
Registry last updated: Aug 20, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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