Objective: To compare surface EMG activity of upper & lower portion of Rectus Abdominis activity during 4 test movements viz, trunk curl up(TCU), Leg Lowering, Abdomens Muscle Lift (AML) , Leg Raise .To provide the biomechanical basis for rationalized clinical testing & training of Abdomens. To fi nd out an activity producing optimal & maximal activation of abdominals. Methods: Study design & setting: Randomized, repeated measure within subject, experimental study .All measurements were performed in hospital EMG laboratory. Study population: 20 normal healthy female chosen randomly who were capable to perform all test movements comfortably. Procedure: EMG data was collected from Upper &Lower portion of Rectus Abdomens muscle during performance of 4 tests movements by the subjects. Outcome measures: Peak EMG amplitude during maximum recruitment of muscle. Results: Study showed differences in the activation of rectus Abdomens during 4 tasks. Amongst all the exercises Abdominal muscle lift (95% CI=82.5-93.8, 89.7-98.2) showed greater activation followed by Trunk curl up (95% CI=80.4-97.3, 74.8-93.3), Leg raise (95% CI=57.2-74.09, 63.3-79.4) & leg lowering (95% CI=53.8-70.4, 52.9-71.7). Conclusion: No signifi cant differences in the activation of two portions. Rectus Abdominals activity is maximum during abdominal muscle lift.

Key words: Rectus Abdomens; EMG activity; Abdominal muscle testing; Abdominal muscle lift.