Kinetic chain influences on upper and lower trapezius muscle activation during eight variations of a scapular retraction exercise in overhead athletes

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristof De Mey ◽  
Lieven Danneels ◽  
Barbara Cagnie ◽  
Lotte Van den Bosch ◽  
Johan Flier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Kinetic Chain ◽  
Overhead Athletes ◽  
Lower Trapezius

scholarly journals Function, strength, and muscle activation of the shoulder complex in Crossfit practitioners with and without pain: a cross-sectional observational study

2022 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Raulino Silva ◽  
Nicola Maffulli ◽  
Filippo Migliorini ◽  
Gilmar Moraes Santos ◽  
Fábio Sprada de Menezes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
Surface Electromyography ◽  
Shoulder Joint ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
National Registry ◽  
Kinetic Chain ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Lower Trapezius

Abstract Background The shoulder joint is the most commonly injured joint in CrossFit practitioners, because of the high intensity and loads associated with this sport. Despite the large number of clinical cases, there is a shortage of studies that investigate influence of biomechanical aspects of upper limbs' injuries on CrossFit practitioners. This study hypothesized that there would be a difference in function, strength, and muscle activation between Crossfit practitioners with and without shoulder pain. Methods We divided 79 Crossfit practitioners into two groups according to whether they reported pain (n = 29) or no pain (n = 50) in the shoulder during Crossfit training. Muscle function, strength, and activation were assessed using the Disability Arm, Shoulder and Hand function questionnaire, Upper Quarter Y Balance Test and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test shoulder tests, isometric muscle strength assessment by manual dynamometry and muscle activation by surface electromyography and pain report. Results The function based on questionnaire was associated with pain (p = 0.004). We observed a statistically significant difference between the two groups only in the surface electromyography activity of the lower trapezius, and in the variables of shoulder pain and function (p = 0.038). Conclusion Crossfit practitioners with shoulder pain occurring during training showed good function and stability of the shoulder joint, but there was a reduction in the activation of stabilizing muscles, especially the lower trapezius. Trial registration Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinico (Brasilian National Registry) with the ID: RBR-2gycyv.

scholarly journals Role of the kinetic chain in shoulder rehabilitation: does incorporating the trunk and lower limb into shoulder exercise regimes influence shoulder muscle recruitment patterns? Systematic review of electromyography studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000683
Author(s):  
Eleanor Richardson ◽  
Jeremy S Lewis ◽  
Jo Gibson ◽  
Chris Morgan ◽  
Mark Halaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Muscle Recruitment ◽  
Kinetic Chain ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Recruitment Patterns ◽  
Lower Trapezius

ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of trunk and lower limb motion on electromyography (EMG) muscle activity and recruitment patterns around the shoulder.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesMEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, AMED, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews, SportsDiscuss and PROSPERO.Eligibility criteriaStudies investigating both multiregional kinetic chain (KC) shoulder exercises and localised non-kinetic chain (nKC) shoulder exercises in healthy subjects under the same experimental conditions were included in this review.ResultsKC exercises produced greater EMG activation levels in 5 of 11 studies for the lower trapezius. Of the remaining studies, five found no difference between the exercise types and one favoured nKC exercises. KC exercises produced greater EMG activation levels in 5 of 11 studies for the serratus anterior. Of the remaining studies, three reported the opposite and three found no significant difference between the exercise types. nKC exercises produced greater EMG activation in infraspinatus in three of four studies. KC exercises produced the lowest trapezius muscle ratios in all studies. Studies investigating the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, supraspinatus, subscapularis, biceps brachii, latifissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, deltoid, and trapezius and serratus anterior ratios showed inconsistency.ConclusionThis review found evidence that integrating the KC during shoulder rehabilitation may increase axioscapular muscle recruitment, produce lower trapezius muscle ratios and reduce the demands on the rotator cuff. Stepping appears preferable to squatting.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42015032557, 2015.

scholarly journals Shoulder External Rotation Fatigue and Scapular Muscle Activation and Kinematics in Overhead Athletes

2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mithun Joshi ◽  
Charles A. Thigpen ◽  
Kevin Bunn ◽  
Spero G. Karas ◽  
Darin A. Padua
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Fatigue ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Shoulder Injuries ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Overhead Athletes ◽  
Scapular Kinematics ◽  
Fatigue Protocol ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Lower Trapezius

Context: Glenohumeral external rotation (GH ER) muscle fatigue might contribute to shoulder injuries in overhead athletes. Few researchers have examined the effect of such fatigue on scapular kinematics and muscle activation during a functional movement pattern. Objective: To examine the effects of GH ER muscle fatigue on upper trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, and infraspinatus muscle activation and to examine scapular kinematics during a diagonal movement task in overhead athletes. Setting: Human performance research laboratory. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Patients or Other Participants: Our study included 25 overhead athletes (15 men, 10 women; age = 20 ± 2 years, height = 180 ± 11 cm, mass = 80 ± 11 kg) without a history of shoulder pain on the dominant side. Intervention(s): We tested the healthy, dominant shoulder through a diagonal movement task before and after a fatiguing exercise involving low-resistance, high-repetition, prone GH ER from 0° to 75° with the shoulder in 90° of abduction. Main Outcome Measure(s): Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activity for the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, and infraspinatus. An electromyographic motion analysis system was used to assess 3-dimensional scapular kinematics. Repeated-measures analyses of variance (phase × condition) were used to test for differences. Results: We found a decrease in ascending-phase and descending-phase lower trapezius activity (F1,25 = 5.098, P = .03) and an increase in descending-phase infraspinatus activity (F1,25 = 5.534, P = .03) after the fatigue protocol. We also found an increase in scapular upward rotation (F1,24 = 3.7, P = .04) postfatigue. Conclusions: The GH ER muscle fatigue protocol used in this study caused decreased lower trapezius and increased infraspinatus activation concurrent with increased scapular upward rotation range of motion during the functional task. This highlights the interdependence of scapular and glenohumeral force couples. Fatigue-induced alterations in the lower trapezius might predispose the infraspinatus to injury through chronically increased activation.

Analysis of neck and back muscle activity during the application of various pillow designs in patients with forward head posture

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Sirirat Kiatkulanusorn ◽  
Bhornluck Paepetch Suato ◽  
Phurichaya Werasirirat
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Back Muscle ◽  
Forward Head Posture ◽  
Sleeping Position ◽  
Head Posture ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Activation Response ◽  
Lower Trapezius

BACKGROUND: There are currently no reports of biomechanical changes in patients with forward head posture (FHP) that result in altered muscle activation throughout various functions with muscle activation response during diverse sleep postures. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated neck and back muscle activity in individuals with and without FHP during a maintained side-sleeping position by incorporating various pillow designs. METHODS: Thirty-four participants (i.e. 17 in each group) were enrolled. The muscle activity was investigated via surface electromyography during the use of three trial pillows: orthopedic pillow, hollow pillow, and Thai neck support pillow. RESULTS: With the application of all three trial pillows the FHP group demonstrated significantly greater lower trapezius muscle activity than the normal head posture group (p< 0.05). Sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius (UT) muscle activity were similar between the two groups (p> 0.05). Only UT muscle activity was affected by variations in pillow design. In the normal group no difference was observed in the muscle activity between all three pillows (p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Feasibly, the ability to appropriately modify a pillow configuration without creating undesired muscle activation was limited to those exhibiting FHP. Therefore, specially designed pillows or mattresses should be investigated in terms of their relevance to muscle fatigue and potential musculoskeletal pain in FHP patients.

scholarly journals Effects of Intended Scapular Posterior Tilt Motion on Trapezius Muscle Electromyography Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9147
Author(s):  
Soo-Yong Kim ◽  
Il-Young Yu ◽  
Jae-Seop Oh ◽  
Min-Hyeok Kang
Keyword(s):  
Tilt Angle ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Posterior Tilt ◽  
Lower Trapezius ◽  
Trunk Extension ◽  
Asymptomatic Men

The intended scapular motion is a strategy to strengthen the lower trapezius (LT). However, few studies have explored the effects of the intended scapular posterior tilt motion on selective LT activation. Thus, the present study investigated the effect of the intended scapular posterior tilt on the electromyography (EMG) activity of trapezius muscles during prone shoulder horizontal abduction (PSHA). Eighteen asymptomatic men performed three types of PSHA: (1) preferred PSHA, (2) PSHA with the intended scapular posterior tilt, and (3) PSHA with the intended scapular posterior tilt and trunk extension. EMG activity of the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), and LT were measured during PSHAs. Scapular posterior tilt angle, with and without the intended scapular posterior tilt, were measured using inclinometer. The results indicated that LT muscle activity increased when scapular posterior tilt was applied with and without trunk extension (14–16%), compared to the preferred condition, during PSHA (p < 0.05). However, the addition of trunk extension to PSHA with the intended scapular posterior tilt increased the UT muscle activity (28%) and the UT/LT (29%) and UT/MT (31%) ratios (p < 0.05). The scapular posterior tilt angle was higher (15%) when applying the intended scapular posterior tilt (p = 0.020). These findings suggest that the intended scapular posterior tilt may be a useful strategy for selective LT muscle activation.

Scapular Muscle Recruitment Patterns: Trapezius Muscle Latency with and without Impingement Symptoms

2003 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 542-549 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann M. Cools ◽  
Erik E. Witvrouw ◽  
Geert A. Declercq ◽  
Lieven A. Danneels ◽  
Dirk C. Cambier
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Arm Movement ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Deltoid Muscle ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Muscle Recruitment ◽  
Recruitment Pattern ◽  
Shoulder Impingement ◽  
Lower Trapezius

Background Altered muscle activity in the scapular muscles is commonly believed to be a factor contributing to shoulder impingement syndrome. However, one important measure of the muscular coordination in the scapular muscles, the timing of the temporal recruitment pattern, is undetermined. Purpose To evaluate the timing of trapezius muscle activity in response to an unexpected arm movement in athletes with impingement and in normal control subjects. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Methods Muscle latency times were measured in all three parts of the trapezius muscle and in the middle deltoid muscle of 39 “overhand athletes” with shoulder impingement and compared with that of 30 overhand athletes with no impingement during a sudden downward falling movement of the arm. Results There were significant differences in the relative muscle latency times between the impingement and the control group subjects. Those with impingement showed a delay in muscle activation of the middle and lower trapezius muscle. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that overhand athletes with impingement symptoms show abnormal muscle recruitment timing in the trapezius muscle. The findings support the theory that impingement of the shoulder may be related to delayed onset of contraction in the middle and lower parts of the trapezius muscle.

scholarly journals Electromyography of 3 Scapular Muscles: A Comparative Analysis of The Cuff Link Device and a Standard Push-Up

2008 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 464-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Steven Tucker ◽  
Brian M. Campbell ◽  
Erik E. Swartz ◽  
Charles W. Armstrong
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Type I ◽  
Kinetic Chain ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Closed Kinetic Chain ◽  
Lower Trapezius ◽  
Push Up

Abstract Context: The Cuff Link is a closed kinetic chain rehabilitation apparatus for the upper extremity. Limited research has established its effectiveness to elicit muscle activation of the scapular muscles. Objective: To determine if scapular muscle activation differs in response to 2 upper extremity closed kinetic chain exercises: Cuff Link and standard push-up. Design: A single-group, repeated-measures design. Setting: Controlled laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-eight healthy individuals (13 women: age  =  19.69 ± 1.55 years, height  =  167.44 ± 9.52 cm, mass  =  61.00 ± 8.79 kg; 15 men: age  =  22.00 ± 3.91 years, height  =  181.44 ± 6.60 cm, mass  =  82.36 ± 13.23 kg) with no history of shoulder or low back injury volunteered to participate in this study. Intervention(s): Participants performed 10 trials of complete revolutions on the Cuff Link and 10 full–weight-bearing push-ups. We controlled trial velocity and randomized order. Trunk and shoulder positions were normalized to the participant's height. Using surface electromyography, we recorded muscle activity of the serratus anterior, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius. Rectified and smoothed electromyography data for the serratus anterior, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius were normalized as a percentage of the maximal voluntary isometric contractions (%MVIC). Main Outcome Measure(s): Mean muscle activity of the serratus anterior, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius. We used paired-samples t tests to analyze the mean data for each condition. The α level was adjusted to .016 to avoid a type I error. Results: Middle trapezius %MVIC was greater during push-ups (27.01 ± 20.40%) than during use of the Cuff Link (11.49 ± 9.46%) (P  =  .001). Lower trapezius %MVIC was greater during push-ups (36.07 ± 18.99%) than during use of the Cuff Link (16.29 ± 8.64%) (P  =  .001). There was no difference in %MVIC for the serratus anterior between conditions. Conclusions: The push-up demonstrated greater middle trapezius and lower trapezius activation levels compared with the Cuff Link. However, the push-up had a high participant failure rate. Because serratus anterior activation levels were similar, the Cuff Link may be an appropriate alternative for individuals lacking the upper body strength to perform a push-up.

scholarly journals Scapular Bracing and Alteration of Posture and Muscle Activity in Overhead Athletes With Poor Posture

2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley K. Cole ◽  
Melanie L. McGrath ◽  
Shana E. Harrington ◽  
Darin A. Padua ◽  
Terri J. Rucinski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Surface Emg ◽  
Lateral View ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Overhead Athletes ◽  
Forward Flexion ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Lower Trapezius

Context: Overhead athletes commonly have poor posture. Commercial braces are used to improve posture and function, but few researchers have examined the effects of shoulder or scapular bracing on posture and scapular muscle activity. Objective: To examine whether a scapular stabilization brace acutely alters posture and scapular muscle activity in healthy overhead athletes with forward-head, rounded-shoulder posture (FHRSP). Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: Applied biomechanics laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Thirty-eight healthy overhead athletes with FHRSP. Intervention(s): Participants were assigned randomly to 2 groups: compression shirt with no strap tension (S) and compression shirt with the straps fully tensioned (S + T). Posture was measured using lateral-view photography with retroreflective markers. Electromyography (EMG) of the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) in the dominant upper extremity was measured during 4 exercises (scapular punches, W's, Y's, T's) and 2 glenohumeral motions (forward flexion, shoulder extension). Posture and exercise EMG measurements were taken with and without the brace applied. Main Outcome Measure(s): Head and shoulder angles were measured from lateral-view digital photographs. Normalized surface EMG was used to assess mean muscle activation of the UT, MT, LT, and SA. Results: Application of the brace decreased forward shoulder angle in the S + T condition. Brace application also caused a small increase in LT EMG during forward flexion and Y's and a small decrease in UT and MT EMG during shoulder extension. Brace application in the S + T group decreased UT EMG during W's, whereas UT EMG increased during W's in the S group. Conclusions: Application of the scapular brace improved shoulder posture and scapular muscle activity, but EMG changes were highly variable. Use of a scapular brace might improve shoulder posture and muscle activity in overhead athletes with poor posture.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document