JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Extremely-low-volume high-intensity interval training (ELVHIIT) has become a popular exercise strategy in modern society, with the TABATA training method being the most popular. In the past, these training methods were mostly done without equipment, but incorporating exergaming into the training may provide a new option for muscle training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in muscle activation in the upper extremities between ELVHIIT used in exergaming strategies and traditional bodyweight exercise. Fifteen healthy males were recruited for the study, and the differences in muscle activation were compared between bodyweight exercises (push-ups) and exergaming (Nintendo Switch Ring-Con) during ELVHIIT. Prior to the tests, participants underwent pre-tests, including maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of various muscle groups, maximal push-up tests, and maximal movement tests using the exergaming device. The push-up and exergaming tests were conducted on separate days to avoid interference, with a warm-up period of five minutes on a treadmill before testing. Muscle activation in the middle and anterior portions of the deltoid muscle, the sternocostal and clavicular portions of the pectoralis major muscle, and the latissimus dorsi muscle were measured during the MVC and single-round tests for each exercise mode. An independent sample t-test was used to compare the differences in muscle activation between the two exercise modes (push-ups and exergaming).

Results:

1. The number of repetitions in the push-up exercise was significantly lower than that of the single-part exercise in the exergaming strategy, whether in the exhaustive training or single-round training; 2. There was no significant difference in heart rate between push-up exercise and exergaming strategy in both exhaustive training and single-round training, and the exergaming strategy had better muscle activation in the upper extremities for a single body part. In conclusion, ELVHIIT can increase muscle activation in the upper extremities and can be incorporated into exergaming strategies to provide a fun and engaging way to exercise.