The Effects of Verbal Feedback on Core Muscle Activation During Different Pilates Mat Exercises

Purpose: This study sought to identify the effect of verbal feedback on core muscle activation during different Pilates mat exercises.Methods: The exercises were performed by fifteen healthy female adults who met the given health conditions criteria and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study.These participants (average age 31.2±6.5 years old; 19.6± 1.1 body mass index) performed four specific Pilates mat exercises with and without verbal feedback from an instructor.The surface electromyography (EMG) activities of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and multifidus (MU) muscles were recorded during each condition and then normalized using the maximal voluntary isometric contraction to compare the recorded data.Since the normality was accepted, the paired t-test was used as a method to determine data differences (p< 0.05).Results: Significant differences in muscle activation were observed.When the participants were asked to perform the mat exercises with verbal feedback, higher activation was observed in the EO, IO, and MU muscles.This indicates the effectiveness of providing verbal feedback while Pilates mat exercises are being performed. Conclusion:Based on these results, it would be fair to conclude that verbal instructions may be an effective way to enhance the EMG activities of the powerhouse muscles during Pilates mat exercises.