Comparison of Upper-Limb Muscle Activation Levels in Different Physical Fitness Exercises Using Dumbbells and Elastic Tubes.

BACKGROUND

Elastic tubes are used widely in fitness programs because they are lightweight, easy to use, and versatile. However, evidence of their equivalence to other equipment, including dumbbells, remains insufficient.

HYPOTHESIS

Elastic tubing and dumbbells do not have equivalent loads, although both equipment generate similar symmetry and muscular synergy.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2b.

METHODS

Thirty physically active people (15 men and 15 women) performed 4 upper-limb exercises (elbow flexion, shoulder abduction, scapular elevation and abduction, and scapular retraction and abduction) with 5 loads (dumbbells ranging from 2 to 6 kg and red, green, blue, black, and silver elastic tubes).

RESULTS

Only elbow flexion ( = 0.14 and ≥ 0.99) and shoulder abduction ( = 0.13 and ≥ 0.99) exercises showed load equivalence in men but not in women. Both types of equipment were symmetrical and generated similar synergies when the load was increased, with no sex differences ( = 0.11). Load equivalence was found only in men and in the 2 exercises, suggesting that this equipment was not interchangeable.

CONCLUSION

Dumbbell and elastic tube exercises can be executed in a balanced and symmetrical manner, yielding similar synergies considering the involvement of all muscle groups regardless of sex.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study analyzed a higher number of exercises performed by both men and women. The results showed that these 2 pieces of equipment cannot be considered interchangeable, as they generate different loads. However, similar efforts are required for symmetry and muscle synergy.