Four‐week exercise program does not change rotator cuff muscle activation and scapular kinematics in healthy subjects

Abstract Background The Glenohumeral internal-rotation deficit (GIRD) is related to the altered eccentric external-rotator (ER), the concentric internal-rotator (IR), muscle strength, and the ER: IR ratio. GIRD has been documented as a risk factor for shoulder injuries. However, few studies have investigated the effect of an exercise training on these parameters in athletes with GIRD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week throwing exercise with a TheraBand for retraining the rotator cuff on Electromyography (EMG) activity of selected muscles, rotator cuff muscle strength, the glenohumeral (GH) joint IR range of motion (ROM) and GH joint position sense in asymptomatic male volleyball players with GIRD. Methods Sixty male volleyball players with GIRD were randomized into either a training group or a control group. The experimental group underwent an 8-week throwing exercise with a TheraBand including 5 sessions of stretching and 3 sessions of strengthening exercises per week. The control group received an active self-exercise program. EMG (onset time and muscle activation), shoulder range of motion (ROMs), strength and GH joint position sense were all assessed pre and post trainings. Results There were statistically significant within-group differences in the EMG activity of the anterior deltoid (p = 0.005), middle deltoid (p = 0.007), posterior deltoid (p = 0.004), infraspinatus (p = 0.001) and supraspinatus (p = 0.001) muscles, IR ROM (p = 0.001), rotator cuff muscle strength ratio (p = 0.001), and GH joint position sense (p = 0.033) in the experimental group. A 2 × 2 analysis of variance with a mixed model design and independent and paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Conclusions Throwing exercise with a TheraBand improved shoulder muscle activation, IR ROM, rotator cuff muscle strength ratio and GH joint position sense in participants with GIRD. These findings may improve the treatment of GIRD in a clinical setting. Although the results are significant, further studies should follow up the long-term effects of the Throwing exercise with a TheraBand on GIRD. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials using the UMIN-RCT website with ID number of, UMIN000038416 “Retrospectively registered” at 2019/10/29.

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Getting more from standard rotator cuff strengthening exercises

Shoulder & Elbow ◽

10.1177/1758573219888829 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 203-211

Author(s):

C Ganderton ◽

R Kinsella ◽

L Watson ◽

T Pizzari

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Clinical Laboratory ◽

External Rotation ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Simple Modification ◽

Rotator Cuff Muscle ◽

Strengthening Exercises ◽

Intramuscular Electrodes ◽

Additional Resistance

Background A simple modification to standard rotator cuff exercises using an additional resistance band around the scapula has been recommended in the clinical setting, postulated to encourage activation of the posterior scapular stabilisers and increase rotator cuff activation. The aim of this clinical laboratory study was to compare scapular and rotator cuff muscle activation between standard and modified exercises. Methods Electromyographic data were collected from 10 healthy adults via surface and intramuscular electrodes from the scapular and rotator cuff muscles. Internal and external rotation exercises of the shoulder with the arm abducted to 0°, 45° and 90° were performed using one handheld resistance band (standard) or two bands with the additional band applied to the scapula (modified). Results Activation of the trapezii and rhomboid muscles during the modified exercises at 0° and 45° of abduction was significantly greater when compared to the standard exercises ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in rotator cuff muscle activation. Discussion Applying resistance to the posterior scapula increases activation of some scapular stabilising muscles particularly in lower ranges of abduction. This study provides preliminary evidence that this simple modification can elicit greater scapular muscle activity, potentially producing enhanced exercise outcomes with minimal additional effort.

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Responses in knee joint muscle activation patterns to different perturbations during gait in healthy subjects

Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology ◽

10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102572 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 102572

Author(s):

Jim C. Schrijvers ◽

Josien C. van den Noort ◽

Martin van der Esch ◽

Jaap Harlaar

Keyword(s):

Knee Joint ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Activation Patterns ◽

Muscle Activation Patterns

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Biomechanical analysis of an unpowered hip flexion orthosis on individuals with and without multiple sclerosis

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s12984-021-00891-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ross M. Neuman ◽

Staci M. Shearin ◽

Karen J. McCain ◽

Nicholas P. Fey

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Muscle Activity ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Assistive Technologies ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Biomechanical Analysis ◽

Foot Drop ◽

Plantar Flexors ◽

Hip Flexion

Abstract Background Gait impairment is a common complication of multiple sclerosis (MS). Gait limitations such as limited hip flexion, foot drop, and knee hyperextension often require external devices like crutches, canes, and orthoses. The effects of mobility-assistive technologies (MATs) prescribed to people with MS are not well understood, and current devices do not cater to the specific needs of these individuals. To address this, a passive unilateral hip flexion-assisting orthosis (HFO) was developed that uses resistance bands spanning the hip joint to redirect energy in the gait cycle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of the HFO on gait mechanics and muscle activation for people with and without MS. We hypothesized that (1) hip flexion would increase in the limb wearing the device, and (2) that muscle activity would increase in hip extensors, and decrease in hip flexors and plantar flexors. Methods Five healthy subjects and five subjects with MS walked for minute-long sessions with the device using three different levels of band stiffness. We analyzed peak hip flexion and extension angles, lower limb joint work, and muscle activity in eight muscles on the lower limbs and trunk. Single-subjects analysis was used due to inter-subject variability. Results For subjects with MS, the HFO caused an increase in peak hip flexion angle and a decrease in peak hip extension angle, confirming our first hypothesis. Healthy subjects showed less pronounced kinematic changes when using the device. Power generated at the hip was increased in most subjects while using the HFO. The second hypothesis was not confirmed, as muscle activity showed inconsistent results, however several subjects demonstrated increased hip extensor and trunk muscle activity with the HFO. Conclusions This exploratory study showed that the HFO was well-tolerated by healthy subjects and subjects with MS, and that it promoted more normative kinematics at the hip for those with MS. Future studies with longer exposure to the HFO and personalized assistance parameters are needed to understand the efficacy of the HFO for mobility assistance and rehabilitation for people with MS.

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Does Extended-Field-of-View Sonography Improve Interrater Reliability for the Detection of Rotator Cuff Muscle Atrophy?

American Journal of Roentgenology ◽

10.2214/ajr.07.2716 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 190 (1) ◽

pp. 27-31 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Eoin C. Kavanagh ◽

George Koulouris ◽

Laurence Parker ◽

William B. Morrison ◽

Diane Bergin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Muscle Atrophy ◽

Interrater Reliability ◽

Field Of View ◽

Rotator Cuff Muscle ◽

Extended Field ◽

Extended Field Of View

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Molecular mechanism of fatty degeneration in rotator cuff muscle with tendon rupture

Journal of Orthopaedic Research® ◽

10.1002/jor.21317 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 29 (6) ◽

pp. 861-866 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Yoshiaki Itoigawa ◽

Koshi N. Kishimoto ◽

Hirotaka Sano ◽

Kazuo Kaneko ◽

Eiji Itoi

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Molecular Mechanism ◽

Tendon Rupture ◽

Fatty Degeneration ◽

Rotator Cuff Muscle

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Cellular and Molecular Modulation of Rotator Cuff Muscle Pathophysiology

Journal of Orthopaedic Research® ◽

10.1002/jor.25179 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chengcheng Fu ◽

Alice H. Huang ◽

Leesa M. Galatz ◽

Woojin M. Han

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Rotator Cuff Muscle ◽

Molecular Modulation

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Sequential muscle activation in the hemiparetic arm

South African Journal of Physiotherapy ◽

10.4102/sajp.v60i2.186 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 60 (2) ◽

Author(s):

C. Mucha

Keyword(s):

Patient Group ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Muscle Activation ◽

Deltoid Muscle ◽

Middle Part ◽

Control Group ◽

Biceps Muscle ◽

Significant Prolongation ◽

Healthy Control ◽

Simultaneous Activation

This study investigated the chronological activation sequence of multiple joint movements of the hemiparetic arm in patients with central hemiparesis compared to healthy test subjects.Twelve patients with central hemiparesis and eight healthy control subjects were studied. First, in rapid abduction movement of the upper limb, the electromyographic activities of the middle part of the deltoid muscle, the brachial biceps muscle and the extensor muscles of the fingers, were registered. Second, in rapid flexion of the arm, the electromyographic activities of the ventral part of the deltoid muscle, the brachial biceps muscle and the superficial flexor muscles of the fingers, were measured. From the EMG data registered, activation duration, activation latency and the innervation sequence were determined and compared between the patient group and the control group. In the patient group, a significant prolongation of the activation duration was shown only in abduction. However, the activation latency was significantly prolonged in both movements compared to healthy test subjects. In the innervation sequences, a simultaneous activation was most frequently shown in healthy subjects. In healthy subjects, the deltoid muscle also usually functioned as leading muscle, whereas there was sometimes a shift distally to the brachial biceps muscle in the hemiparetic patients. The speed of rapid multiple joint movements in hemiparetic extremities seems to be unaffected in certain movements (anteversion), in others (abduction) it seems to be significantly reduced. This, as well as the fact that the activation latency is significantly longer in the hemiparetic limbs should be taken into consideration when choosing rehabilitation exercises.

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A Relationship between Calcium Deposit Size with the Pain Intensity on The Patients with Calcified Tendinitis in The Rotator Cuff

Indonesian Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation ◽

10.36803/ijpmr.v6i01.148 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (01) ◽

pp. 18

Author(s):

Indri Wijayanti ◽

I Nyoman Murdana ◽

Tirza Z. Tamin

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Pain Intensity ◽

Muscle Fibers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Calcium Deposit ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rotator Cuff Muscle ◽

Calcium Deposits

Background: Calcified tendeinitis is a disease characterized by calcification of multifocal cells mediated byliving tissue. Calcified tendeinitis may occur due to the collection of calcium in the pouch of supraspinatustendon or may spread between rotator cuff muscle fibers and bursa. This deposit may or may not cause pain ofdiscomfort. The study aim is to determine the correlation of calcium deposit size to the pain intensity in patientswith calcified tendinotis.Methods: A cross-sectional study, on subjects, were diagnosed with calcified tendinitis rotator cuff bymusculoskeletal ultrasonography examination.Results: The twenty subjects, aged 50-70 years old, No significant correlations were found between calciumdeposit size with the pain intensity using VAS, r=0.238, p=0.32.Conclusion. The size of the calcium deposit has not correlated with the pain intensity in rotator cuff calcifiedtendinitis patients. But further research is needed whether the location and form of calcium deposits affect thepain intensity in calcified tendinitis rotator cuff patients.Keywords: calcified tendinitis; calcium deposit size; pain intensity.

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