Electromyographic activation during unilateral and bilateral bent over row exercises among trained men

The aim of this study was to determine and compare muscle activation through the use of the electromyographic (EMG) method during unilateral and bilateral bent-over row exercises. Thirty recreationally active, resistance-trained men (age: 20-23 years old) were recruited as research participants. Participants were asked to perform bent-over row exercise using 80% of their 1RM value unilaterally and bilaterally in a randomized order. EMG activation of latissimus dorsi, posterior deltoid and biceps brachii were obtained during performing the movement in concentric and eccentric phases. One way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to compare the EMG activations between both unilateral and bilateral bent over row. Results showed that no significant differences were found on all the muscles’ EMG activation. Despite our prediction that unilateral exercises induce more instability to the movement, leading to greater muscle activation, however, this was not found in this study. The simplicity of the movement during bent over row exercise might be the reason why there were no differences.