Effect of Load Distribution on Trunk Muscle Activity with Lunge Exercises in Amateur Athletes: Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The effect of load distribution applied to the trunk musculature with lunge exercises has yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of load placement using dumbbells on the activation of the latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles during the lunge. Methods: Forty-two amateur athletes (21 men and 21 women) were recruited. Three lunge exercises were performed with different loading arrangements (ipsilateral, contralateral, and bilateral). The principal variable recorded for muscle activity was mean “root mean square” expressed as the percentage of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Results: There are statistically significant differences in the erector spinae (p < 0.001; p < 0.003) and external oblique muscles (p < 0.009; p < 0.001) compared with the contralateral side. The muscle on the opposite side of the load achieved higher activation for these muscles. The erector spinae and latissimus dorsi muscle did not reach a statistically significant difference with the contralateral side in any exercise (p > 0.05). The higher activation of the latissimus dorsi occurred on the same side on which the load was placed. Conclusions: There was higher activation of the erector spinae, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles contralateral to the side of load placement during lunge exercise by amateur athletes.