(11) Comparison Of Trunk And Hip Muscle Activation And Range Of Motion Between The Traditional And Landmine Romanian Deadlift

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare levels of trunk, upper- and lower-body muscle activation, and trunk and hip range of motion between the traditional (TRDL) and landmine Romanian deadlift (LRDL).

Methods: Ten male and 10 female participants (age: 24 ± 6.2 yrs; height: 171.8 ± 8.4 cm; weight: 77.5 ± 17.1 kg) with a minimum of 6 months resistance training experience volunteered and completed the study. The participants completed a familiarization session to practice technique on each exercise followed by a session to determine an 8RM on each exercise separated by a minimum of 48 hours. Another 48 hours of rest took place before the data collection session. Muscle activity was recorded using wireless electromyography (EMG) sensors at 2000 Hz while hip and trunk range of motion were recorded using inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors at 100 Hz. EMG and trunk and hip range of motion were time synchronized during the RDL exercises. Following a 10-min dynamic warm up and light stretching, a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) was assessed for each muscle group (middle trapezius, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and biceps femoris) for data normalization. All MVICs occurred in a prone position with a 5-sec continuous contraction against straps secured to the table and manual resistance. The subjects completed three repetitions at an 8RM load for each RDL. Both exercises were executed using a free-weight barbell with the knees slightly flexed. From a standing, starting position the weight was lowered until it touched a 2-inch pad positioned on the floor before returning to the starting position. EMG and IMU measures were analyzed using the SPM 1d Version 0.4 for 1-dimensional Statistical Parametric Mapping package for Matlab. Paired t-tests were used to compare the TRDL and LRDL measures during the concentric and eccentric phases with the level of significance set a priori at p < 0.05.

Results: Thoracic flexion was significantly greater during the initial 30% of the hip range of motion during the eccentric phase and the final 19% of the concentric phase during the LRDL. No significant differences in EMG, hip flexion, and lumbar flexion were identified during the concentric and eccentric phases. 

Conclusions: Using similar relative intensity, the TRDL and LRDL produce similar levels of activation in the core, upper-body, and lower-body muscle groups. Differences in thoracic range of motion may be due to the different grips used between the RDL exercises. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The data indicate that both RDL exercises can be used interchangeably with no difference in muscle activation or hip and lumbar range of motion; however, a neutral thoracic posture may be better maintained during the TRDL.

Acknowledgements: None