Muscle Activation During Mat and Reformer Bridge Exercises With Heel Raise

This study aimed to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity of trunk and lower extremity muscles during double-leg bridge and double-leg bridge with heel raise exercises performed on a mat and on a reformer with different spring resistances. Thirty healthy women participated in this interventional study. Surface EMG was used to record the activity of the rectus abdominis, erector spinae, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, medial gastrocnemius, and lateral gastrocnemius muscles. The findings are expected to provide evidence for selecting appropriate bridge exercise variations and reformer spring resistance in physiotherapy and Pilates-based rehabilitation.

Inclusion Criteria: Female participants Age between 18 and 40 years Healthy volunteers Able to perform bridge exercises Provided written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: History of spinal or lower extremity pain or surgery Neurological disorders Cardiovascular or respiratory conditions contraindicating exercise Pregnancy or less than 6 months postpartum Skin lesions preventing sEMG electrode placement Use of medications affecting neuromuscular function Postural deformities affecting exercise performance Musculoskeletal disorders affecting trunk or lower extremities