Scapular Stabilizer Activity during Bodyblade®, Cuff Weights, and Thera-Band® Use

2007 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Lister ◽  
Gianluca Del Rossi ◽  
Fangchao Ma ◽  
Mark Stoutenberg ◽  
Jessica B. Adams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Surface Emg ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Shoulder Flexion ◽  
Repeated Measures Analysis ◽  
Traditional Training ◽  
Lower Trapezius

Context:There are numerous ways to overload the scapular stabilizers.Objectives:To assess scapular stabilizer activity using the Bodyblade® and other traditional training devices.Design:Repeated measures analysis of surface EMG data collected from the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) during shoulder flexion and abduction using Bodyblade®, cuff weight, and Thera-Band® resistance.Setting:Laboratory.Participants:Thirty collegiate athletes (20.0 ± 1.7 years).Intervention:Participants performed 10 repetitions of shoulder flexion and abduction.Main Outcome Measures:For each movement, normalized root mean square values (NrmsEMG) were computed for each muscle during each repetition under each training condition. Data were analyzed using 3 (condition) × 10 (repetition) repeated measures ANOVAs.Results:During shoulder flexion and abduction, the NrmsEMG of the UT, LT, and SA were significantly greater when using the Bodyblade® than the Thera-Band® or cuff weight.Conclusion:The Bodyblade® produces greater scapular activity than traditional resistance techniques.

scholarly journals Comparison of Activity in Scapular Stabilizing Muscles during Knee Push-Up Plus and Modified Vojta’s 3-Point Support Exercises

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1636
Author(s):  
Hyoungwon Lim
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Surface Emg ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Shoulder Injury ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Point Support ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Lower Trapezius ◽  
Push Up

Selective serratus anterior (SA) strengthening without compensatory movement of the shoulder stabilizers is essential for shoulder stability and functional movement without causing shoulder injury and dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to compare electromyographic (EMG) activity between the SA, upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and pectoralis major (PM) during the knee push-up plus (KPUP) and modified Vojta’s 3-point support (MV3PS) exercises. Scapular stabilizer muscle activity (UT, LT, SA, and PM) was investigated during the KPUP and MV3PS exercises in 40 healthy adults (19 males, 21 females) using surface EMG. Muscle activity of the SA was significantly higher during the MV3PS exercise than during the KPUP (p < 0.05). However, muscle activity in the PM was significantly lower during the MV3PS exercise (p < 0.05). In addition, the LT and UT showed less muscle activity during the MV3PS exercise, although the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the MV3PS exercise better activates the SA than KPUP.

Figure-8 Strap Application: Immediate Alteration of Pectoralis Minor Length and Scapular Alignment During Arm-Lifting Exercise in Participants With Forward Shoulder Posture

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang-Hee Ko ◽  
Heon-Seock Cynn ◽  
Ji-Hyun Lee ◽  
Tae-Lim Yoon ◽  
Sil-Ah Choi
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Length ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Pectoralis Minor ◽  
Forward Shoulder Posture ◽  
Lower Trapezius

Context:Scapular bracing can correct scapular kinematics and restore normal scapular-muscle activity. However, there is little evidence to support the beneficial effects of a figure-8 strap, a type of scapular bracing, on muscle length, scapular alignment, and muscle activity during arm-lifting exercise.Objective:To investigate the immediate effect of a figure-8 strap on pectoralis minor length, scapular alignment, and scapular upward-rotator-muscle activity.Design:Cross-sectional study.Setting:Research laboratory.Participants:Fifteen male participants (age 22.1 ± 1.9 y, weight 68.2 ± 5.7 kg, height 176.2 ± 3.3 cm) with forward shoulder posture (FSP) were examined for pectoralis minor length and scapular alignment with and without the application of a figure-8 strap.Main Outcome Measures:Pectoralis minor length was measured using the Pectoralis Minor Index (PMI), scapular alignment was measured with FSP, and upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscle activity were measured using surface electromyography while participants performed an arm-lifting exercise. Data collected with and without applying a figure-8 strap were compared using a paired t-test.Results:Applying a figure-8 strap significantly decreased the PMI (P = .005) and scapular anterior tilting (P = .000). There were no differences in the muscle activity of the upper trapezius (P = .784), lower trapezius (P = .241), and serratus anterior muscles (P = .639).Conclusions:A figure-8 strap resulted in positive changes in pectoralis minor length and scapular alignment. The results support its use as a treatment aid in managing pectoralis minor length and scapular alignment during arm-lifting exercises.

Exercises in Motor Development Positions. What Happens With the Activity of Antagonist Muscle Pairs? Pilot Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Casas ◽  
Arturo Justes ◽  
Carlos Calvo
Keyword(s):  
Motor Development ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Antagonist Muscle ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Muscle Groups ◽  
Lower Trapezius

Context: Exercises in motor development positions are employed to activate correct muscular patterns, but the effects on the activity of antagonist muscle pairs remain unknown. Objectives: To determine the effect of using exercises in motor development positions on the activity of antagonist muscle pairs. Another aim was to analyze if introducing some facilitators modifies the muscle activity in the different studied positions. Design: Controlled laboratory study using a single-group repeated measures design. Participants: A total of 21 right handed, healthy adults aged 41 years and older (10 males and 11 females). Setting: Workers of different departments at Maz Hospital. Intervention: Surface electromyography activity of muscle antagonist pairs upper trapezius/lower trapezius, serratus anterior/pectoralis major, and external abdominal oblique/lumbar paraspinal was measured in 3 positions: rest (supine decubitus), reflex turning 1, and modified Vöjta’s first position. Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcomes were mean normalized root mean square (averaged over 2 repetitions) of electromyography signals of antagonist muscle pairs in the 3 analyzed positions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (>.70) (model 3.2), type consistency, and 95% confidence interval were used to estimate the reliability and as exclusion criteria of measurements. Results: Analyzed positions had a significant effect on the activity of the muscles P < .001. There was a significant increase in the activity of the phasic musculature versus its tonic antagonists, except in the case of the external oblique/lumbar paraspinal in modified Vöjta’s first position. Adding possible facilitators such as gaze, breathing, or the combination of both did not show significant changes in the level of activation of the studied muscle groups. Conclusion: Ontogenetic developmental positions can be used to facilitate and improve the activation of phasic muscles.

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.

Establishing Normative Data on Scapulothoracic Musculature Using Handheld Dynamometry

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 502-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nichole Turner ◽  
Kristen Ferguson ◽  
Britney W. Mobley ◽  
Bryan Riemann ◽  
George Davies
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Correction Method ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Shoulder Dysfunction ◽  
Lower Trapezius

Context:Scapular strength deficits have been linked to shoulder dysfunction.Objective:To establish normative data on the scapulothoracic musculature in normal subjects using a handheld dynamometer.Design:Descriptive normative data study.Setting:Field research.Subjects:172 subjects with varying levels of overhead activity.Methods:A handheld dynamometer was used to test the upper, middle, and lower trapezius; rhomboids; and serratus anterior.Main Outcome Measures:A 2-factor ANOVA was performed for each of the muscles by activity level and unilateral ratio by activity-level analyses. Post hoc analysis included multiple pairwise comparisons, using the Dunn-Bonferroni correction method.Results:Activity level did not significantly affect the unilateral ratios: Elevation:depression was 2.5:1, upward:downward rotation was 1.5:1, and protraction:retraction was 1.25:1. A rank order from strongest to weakest was established through significant comparisons.Conclusion:The unilateral ratios along with the rank order should be considered when discussing scapular rehabilitation protocols.

scholarly journals Serratus Anterior and Upper Trapezius Electromyographic Analysis of the Push-Up Plus Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (11) ◽  
pp. 1156-1164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fu-Jie Kang ◽  
Hsiang-Ling Ou ◽  
Kun-Ying Lin ◽  
Jiu-Jenq Lin
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Flexion Angle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Stable Surface ◽  
Shoulder Flexion ◽  
Push Up

Context Whereas the serratus anterior (SA) and the upper trapezius (UT) work as a force couple for scapular motion, weakness of the SA and overactivation of the UT are often present in overhead athletes with shoulder dysfunction. Therefore, researchers addressing an intramuscular imbalance between the SA and UT have focused on finding exercises that target the weak SA and minimally activate the UT. Objective To compare the effectiveness of push-up plus (PUP) exercise variants based on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the SA and UT. Data Sources A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus between January 1, 2000, and March 31, 2008. Study Selection Studies of PUP exercises that involved EMG analysis. Data Extraction We assessed study quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. For the systematic analysis, the following data were extracted: (1) author, year, and study design; (2) participant characteristics; (3) type of PUP intervention; (4) EMG outcome measures; and (5) main results. For the meta-analysis, the EMG data of the SA and UT were calculated using the mean difference of EMG activity with a 95% confidence interval. Data Synthesis Based on 19 studies with 356 participants, different hand positions (the distance between the hands, shoulder-flexion angle, and elbow-flexion angle) and different lower extremity positions variably affected the activation of the SA and UT during the PUP exercise. Also, when participants performed the PUP on an unstable surface compared with a stable surface, UT activity increased 2.74% (95% confidence interval = 0.07%, 5.41%). Conclusions The standard PUP exercise elicited high EMG activity of the SA. Participants generated higher SA and lower UT EMG activity when they performed the PUP exercise on a stable surface in full elbow extension, with the hands placed shoulder-width apart, shoulder-flexion angles of 110° or 120°, and the ipsilateral lower extremity lifted.

Scapula Muscle Activations During Overhead Throwing Holds

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 42-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gretchen Oliver ◽  
Lisa Henning ◽  
Hillary Plummer
Keyword(s):  
Surface Electromyography ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Overhead Throwing ◽  
Muscle Activations ◽  
Lower Trapezius

The purpose of this study was to examine activations of selected scapular stabilizing musculature while performing an overhead throw with a hold (not releasing the ball) in two different throwing positions—standing with a crow hop and kneeling on the ipsilateral knee. Surface electromyography was used to examine activations of throwing side lower trapezius (LT), middle trapezius (MT), serratus anterior (SA), and upper trapezius (UT). Muscle activations were recorded while performing the overhead throw with holds while in two throwing positions. MANOVA results revealed no significant differences between the two throwing conditions and muscle activations of LT, MT, SA, and UT: F(8,124) = .804, p = .600; Wilks’s Λ = .904, partial η2 = .049. Although no significant differences were observed in the scapular stabilizers between the two conditions, moderate (21–50% MVIC) to high (> 50% MVIC) activations of each muscle were present, indicating that nonrelease throws may be beneficial for scapular stabilization in throwers.

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.

scholarly journals Volitional Preemptive Abdominal Contraction and Upper Extremity Muscle Latencies During D1 Flexion and Scaption Shoulder Exercises

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 1181-1189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramonica Scott ◽  
Hyung Suk Yang ◽  
C. Roger James ◽  
Steven F. Sawyer ◽  
Phillip S. Sizer
Keyword(s):  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Movement Initiation ◽  
Open Chain ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Shoulder Muscle ◽  
Onset Timing ◽  
Asymptomatic Volunteers ◽  
Anterior Deltoid ◽  
Lower Trapezius

Context The abdominal-bracing maneuver, a volitional preemptive abdominal contraction (VPAC) strategy, is commonly used during resisted shoulder exercises. How VPAC affects shoulder-muscle function during resisted shoulder exercise is unknown. Objective To identify the effects of VPAC on selected parascapular and glenohumeral muscles during specific shoulder exercises with or without resistance. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Clinical biomechanics research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants Twenty-two asymptomatic volunteers between 18 and 40 years of age. Intervention(s) Participants performed arm elevation in scaption and D1 shoulder-flexion (D1F) patterns with and without resistance and VPAC. Main Outcome Measure(s) Electromyography was used to test the muscle-contraction amplitudes and onset timing of the anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior. Muscle-response amplitudes were quantified using root mean square electromyography. Shoulder-muscle relative-onset timing was quantified in reference to kinematic elbow-movement initiation. Results The VPAC increased serratus anterior amplitude during D1F (P &lt; .001) and scaption (P &lt; .001) and upper trapezius amplitude (P &lt; .001) in scaption. All muscle amplitudes increased with resistance. The VPAC decreased muscle-onset latencies for the anterior deltoid (P &lt; .001), posterior deltoid (P = .008), upper trapezius (P = .001), lower trapezius (P = .006), and serratus anterior (P = .001) during D1F. In addition, the VPAC decreased muscle-onset latencies for the anterior deltoid (P &lt; .001), posterior deltoid (P = .007), upper trapezius (P &lt; .001), lower trapezius (P &lt; .001), and serratus anterior (P &lt; .001) during scaption. Conclusions The VPAC affected only the parascapular muscles that had the greatest scapular-stabilizing roles during the specific open chain movement we tested. It decreased latencies in all muscles. These neuromuscular changes may enhance the stability of the shoulder during D1F and scaption exercises.

Comparison of scapular upward rotator muscle activities and activity ratios during three scapular upward rotator strengthening exercises

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jun-Hee Kim ◽  
Oh-Yun Kwon ◽  
Ui-Jae Hwang ◽  
Sung-Hoon Jung ◽  
Sun-Hee Ahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Healthy Young Adult ◽  
Adult Men ◽  
Muscle Imbalance ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Strengthening Exercises ◽  
Activity Ratios ◽  
Lower Trapezius

BACKGROUND: The focus of exercises for restoring the imbalance between scapular upward rotator muscles – upper trapezius (UT), serratus anterior (SA), and lower trapezius (LT) – commonly aims to increase SA and LT activities while not increasing UT activity. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the activity of the UT, SA, and LT muscles during scapation and protraction exercises, which are two traditional exercises, and during a newly designed scapular upward rotation (SUR) exercise. METHODS: A total of 29 healthy young adult men performed all three exercises with maximum isometric contraction. The electromyographic activities of the UT, SA, and LT were recorded. RESULTS: UT demonstrated the highest activity during scapation. SA activity was the lowest during protraction. However, no difference was found in SA activity during the performance of scapation and SUR. The SA/UT ratio was the highest during scapation. CONCLUSIONS: SUR is a new exercise that can be performed at moderate intensity for shoulder rehabilitation to restore scapular upward rotator muscle imbalance.

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