Asymmetry of muscles in women engaged in pole acrobatics: study results using myography

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate disparities in the development of muscle groups among female athletes in the first and second periods of mature age engaged in pole acrobatics. The hypothesis suggested that muscles on the dominant side of athletes' bodies would exhibit higher electromyographic activity and muscle contraction frequency, indicating developmental imbalances. To test this hypothesis using interference myography, indicators of muscle function on both sides of the body were measured during rest and maximal exertion phases. Mean and maximum muscle contraction frequencies, amplitude-to-frequency ratios of muscle stimuli, and maximum and mean amplitudes of muscle electrical signals were analyzed. The findings revealed that some muscle groups, such as the Erector Spinae Spinalis, Sternocleidomastoideus, and External Abdominal Oblique, did not show statistically significant asymmetries in development. Although the Erector Spinae Spinalis showed some significant differences between the right and left sides, these did not indicate clear signs of asymmetry within the studied population. Conversely, the muscle performance indicators for the Erector Spinae Longissimus, Trapezius, and Latissimus Dorsi showed pronounced signs of asymmetry and disproportion. Similarly, the Pectoralis Major exhibited significant differences across all measured indicators between the right and left sides of the body. These findings confirm the presence of asymmetries in certain muscle groups among pole acrobatics athletes. The study underscores the necessity of designing training programs aimed at improving symmetry, optimizing muscle function, and preventing injuries. Understanding these asymmetries may help athletes enhance their performance and reduce injury risk. The comprehensive analysis of muscle activity and asymmetries across various muscle groups provides valuable insights for improving training protocols and injury prevention strategies in pole acrobatics athletes. Keywords: muscular asymmetry, women athletes, pole acrobatics, electromyography.