RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To compare core activation during yoga between males and females. METHODS: Surface electromyography was used to quantify rectus abdominis (RA), abdominal obliques (AO), lumbar extensors (LE), and gluteus maximus (GMX) activation during four yoga poses. Data were expressed as 100% of a maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Mixed-model 2â¯×â¯2 analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to determine between-sex differences in muscle activity. RESULTS: Females generated greater RA activity than males during the High Plank (Pâ¯<â¯0.0001) and Dominant-Side Warrior 1 (Pâ¯=â¯0.017). They generated greater AO (Pâ¯<â¯0.0001) and GMX (Pâ¯=â¯0.004) activity during the High Plank (Pâ¯<â¯0.0001). No between-sex EMG activity differences existed for the Chair and Upward Facing Dog. CONCLUSION: Findings have provided preliminary evidence for between-sex differences in muscle activation during yoga poses. Clinicians should consider such differences when prescribing yoga to improve muscle strength and endurance.