Can the Use of Unstable Surfaces and Instruction for Conscious Abdominal Contraction Increase the EMG Activity of the Periscapular Muscles During the Dynamic Push-Up?

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-230
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Cappato de Araújo ◽  
Vinícius Yan Santos Nascimento ◽  
Rafaela Joyce Barbosa Torres ◽  
Francis Trombini-Souza ◽  
David Behm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Unstable Surface ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
History Of ◽  
Lower Trapezius ◽  
Internal Oblique ◽  
Push Up

Context: It is believed that conscious abdominal contraction (CAC) during exercise encourages greater periscapular activation through existing myofascial connections. On the other hand, it is postulated that the use of unstable surfaces would promote greater neuromuscular demand. Objective: To analyze the effect of CAC on periscapular muscle activity during push-up plus exercise on stable and unstable surfaces and to evaluate the correlation between electromyographic (EMG) activity of the serratus anterior (SA) and abdominal oblique muscles. Design: Repeated-measures design in a single group, pre–post CAC. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: Twenty-three male volunteers without a history of lesions in the upper limbs participated in the study. Main Outcome Measures: Five repetitions of push-ups on stable and unstable surfaces were performed with and without instruction for CAC. The normalized amplitude of the EMG activity was obtained from the muscles of the upper, middle, and lower trapezius, SA upper (SA_5th) and lower (SA_7th) portions, external oblique (EO), and internal oblique. Results: CAC increased the activity of the EO, internal oblique, middle trapezius, and SA (P < .05) in both surfaces. The use of the unstable surface increased the EMG activity of the EO, SA_7th, and middle trapezius and decreased the EMG activity of the SA_5th. However, all changes observed in EMG signals were of low magnitude, with effect sizes lower than 0.45. There was a weak correlation between the EMG activity of the EO and SA_5th (r = .24) and a strong correlation between the EO and SA_7th (r = .70). Conclusion: The isolated use of CAC or unstable surface during push-up seems to present no practical relevance, but the combined use of these strategies may increase activation of the SA_7th and middle trapezius muscles.

Effect of Humeral-Elevation Angle on Electromyographic Activity in the Serratus Anterior During the Push-Up-Plus Exercise

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ui-jae Hwang ◽  
Oh-yun Kwon ◽  
In-cheol Jeon ◽  
Si-hyun Kim ◽  
Jong-hyuck Weon
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Elevation Angle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Activity Ratios ◽  
Push Up

Context:The push-up-plus (PP) exercise has been recommended for strengthening of the serratus anterior (SA). Previous studies have investigated the effect of different stability properties of the base of support to adjust the difficulty level of SA muscle-strengthening exercises in the PP position. However, the optimal humeral-elevation angle (HEA) for selective activation and maximum contraction of the SA during PP has not been investigated.Objectives:To assess the effects of HEA during PP on electromyographic (EMG) activity in the SA, upper trapezius (UT), and pectoralis major (PM) and on the UT:SA and PM:SA activity ratios.Design:Comparative, repeated-measures design.Setting:University research laboratory.Participants:29 healthy men.Main Outcome Measures:The subjects performed PP at 3 different HEAs (60°, 90°, and 120°); EMG activity in the SA, UT, and PM was measured, and the UT:SA and PM:SA activity ratios were calculated. Differences in muscle activity and ratios between the 60°, 90°, and 120° HEAs were assessed using 1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance; the Bonferroni correction was applied.Results:SA muscle activity was significantly increased, in order of magnitude, at the 120°, 90°, and 60° HEAs. UT:SA and PM:SA activity ratios were significantly greater during performance of the PP at an HEA of 60° than at HEAs of 120° and 90°.Conclusion:The results suggest that an HEA of 120° should be used during performance of the PP because it produces greater SA activation than HEAs of 60° and 90°.

Use of unstable surfaces and conscious abdominal contraction on the activity of periscapular muscles

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Fernanda Lenise Soares Ferreira ◽  
Valéria Mayaly Alves de Oliveira ◽  
Michelle Ribeiro Santos ◽  
Vinícius Yan Santos Nascimento ◽  
Ana Carolina Rodarti Pitangui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Rehabilitation Programs ◽  
Unstable Surface ◽  
External Oblique ◽  
Lower Trapezius ◽  
Internal Oblique ◽  
Electromyographic Signals ◽  
Push Up

Background/aims Core training has been recommended in shoulder rehabilitation programs. However, the evidence on this topic is still scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of conscious abdominal contraction combined with unstable surfaces on electromyographic activity of periscapular muscles during the plus phase of a push-up. Methods A total of 20 male participants (22.8 ± 2.5 years) were evaluated. Electromyographic signals were collected from the upper, middle and lower trapezius, serratus anterior, and external and internal oblique muscles during push-up exercises on a stable and unstable surface with and without the conscious abdominal contraction. Each participant performed four variations of the plus phase of a push-up. Results The results demonstrated that the conscious abdominal contraction caused an increase in the electromyographic activity of external oblique, internal oblique, serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscles (P≤0.008). The unstable surface caused only a relevant increase in electromyographic activity of the abdominal muscles (P≤0.025). Combining the two strategies did not increase the electromyographic activity of any muscles (P≥0.238). Conclusions The conscious abdominal contraction seems to be a viable strategy to increase the electromyographic activity of the periscapular muscles.

Shoulder Muscle Activation Levels During the Push-Up-Plus Exercise on Stable and Unstable Surfaces

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafaela J.B. Torres ◽  
André L.T. Pirauá ◽  
Vinícius Y.S. Nascimento ◽  
Priscila S. dos Santos ◽  
Natália B. Beltrão ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Unstable Surface ◽  
Hands And Feet ◽  
Push Up

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of the use of stable and unstable surfaces on electromyography (EMG) activity and coactivation of the scapular and upper-limb muscles during the push-up plus (with full protraction of the scapula). Muscle activation of anterior deltoid (AD), posterior deltoid (PD), pectoralis major, biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) levels and coactivation index were determined by surface EMG in 20 young men during push-up plus performed on a stable and unstable condition (2 unstable devices applied to hands and feet). The paired t test and Cohen d were used for statistical analysis. The results showed that during the execution of the push-up plus on the unstable surface an increased EMG activity of the scapular stabilizing muscles (SA, MT, and LT) was observed, while AD and PD muscles showed a decrease. During exercise execution on the unstable surface there was a higher index of coactivation of the scapular muscles (SA–MT and UT–LT pairs). No significant differences were observed in TB–BB and AD–PD pairs. These results suggest that the push-up-plus exercise associated with unstable surfaces produced greater EMG activity levels and coactivation index of the scapular stabilizing muscle. On the other hand, the use of an unstable surface does not promote the same effect for the shoulder muscles.

Shoulder Muscle Activation Levels During Exercises With Axial and Rotational Load on Stable and Unstable Surfaces

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinícius Yan Santos Nascimento ◽  
Rafaela Joyce Barbosa Torres ◽  
Natália Barros Beltrão ◽  
Priscila Soares dos Santos ◽  
André Luiz Torres Pirauá ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Biceps Brachii ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Triceps Brachii ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Unstable Surface ◽  
Lower Trapezius ◽  
Rotational Load

This study evaluated the effects of instability on the EMG activity of scapular stabilizing and upper limb muscles during exercises with axial and rotational load. Twenty male volunteers (20.9 ± 1.8 years, 174.1 ± 0.04 cm, 73.17 ± 8.77 kg) experienced in strength training participated in a crossover design. Muscle activation of anterior deltoid (AD), posterior deltoid (PD), pectoralis major (PM), biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) were determined on both conditions. Participants performed a single series of 10 repetitions of bench press and fly exercises on stable (bench) and unstable (proprioceptive disc) conditions at 60% of 1-RM. The Friedman test and post hoc Dunn’s indicated that the unstable condition showed greater EMG activity for AD (P = .001) and BB (P = .002) on the fly exercise, SA (P = .001) and LT (P = .048) on the bench press, and PM (P ≤ .002) on both exercises. These results show that using an unstable surface in exercises with rotational load provides superior EMG activity of the agonist muscles, while in exercise with axial load, the instability favors EMG activity of the scapular stabilizing muscles.

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.

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.

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.

EMG ACTIVITY OF THE SERRATUS ANTERIOR AND TRAPEZIUS MUSCLES DURING ELEVATION AND PUSH UP EXERCISES

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Patselas ◽  
Stefanos Karanasios ◽  
Vasiliki Sakellari ◽  
Ioannis Fysekis ◽  
Marios I. Patselas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emg Activity ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Push Up

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.

Electromyographic Evaluation of Abdominal-Muscle Function With and Without Concomitant Pelvic-Floor-Muscle Contraction

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nahid Tahan ◽  
Amir Massoud Arab ◽  
Bita Vaseghi ◽  
Khosro Khademi
Keyword(s):  
Pelvic Floor ◽  
Muscle Contraction ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Pelvic Floor Muscle ◽  
Abdominal Muscle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Emg Signal

Context:Coactivation of abdominal and pelvic-floor muscles (PFM) is an issue considered by researchers recently. Electromyography (EMG) studies have shown that the abdominal-muscle activity is a normal response to PFM activity, and increase in EMG activity of the PFM concomitant with abdominal-muscle contraction was also reported.Objective:The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in EMG activity of the deep abdominal muscles during abdominal-muscle contraction (abdominal hollowing and bracing) with and without concomitant PFM contraction in healthy and low-back-pain (LBP) subjects.Design:A 2 × 2 repeated-measures design.Setting:Laboratory.Participants:30 subjects (15 with LBP, 15 without LBP).Main Outcome Measures:Peak rectified EMG of abdominal muscles.Results:No difference in EMG of abdominal muscles with and without concomitant PFM contraction in abdominal hollowing (P = .84) and abdominal bracing (P = .53). No difference in EMG signal of abdominal muscles with and without PFM contraction between LBP and healthy subjects in both abdominal hollowing (P = .88) and abdominal bracing (P = .98) maneuvers.Conclusion:Adding PFM contraction had no significant effect on abdominal-muscle contraction in subjects with and without LBP.

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