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.

scholarly journals Scapular Muscle Tests in Subjects With Shoulder Pain and Functional Loss: Reliability and Construct Validity

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (11) ◽  
pp. 1128-1138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori A Michener ◽  
N Douglas Boardman ◽  
Peter E Pidcoe ◽  
Angela M Frith
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Muscle Performance ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Functional Loss ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Lower Trapezius ◽  
Isometric Muscle

Abstract Background and Purpose. Scapular muscle performance evaluated with a handheld dynamometer (HHD) has been investigated only in people without shoulder dysfunction for test-retest reliability of data obtained with a single scapular muscle test. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability, error, and validity of data obtained with an HHD for 4 scapular muscle tests in subjects with shoulder pain and functional loss. Subjects and Methods. Subjects (N=40) with shoulder pain and functional loss were tested bymeasuring the kilograms applied with an HHD during 3 trials for muscle tests for the lower trapezius, upper trapezius, middle trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles. Concurrently, surface electromyography (sEMG) data were collected for the 4 muscles. The same procedures were performed 24 to 72 hours after the initial testing by the same tester. Muscle tests were performed 3 times, and the results were averaged for data analysis. Results. Intraclass correlation coefficients for intratester reliability of measurements of isometricforce obtained using an HHD ranged from .89 to .96. The standard error of the measure (90% confidenceinterval [CI]) ranged from 1.3 to 2.7 kg; the minimal detectable change (90% CI) ranged from 1.8 to 3.6 kg. Construct validity assessment, done by comparing the amounts of isometric muscle activity (sEMG) for each muscle across the 4 muscle tests, revealed that the muscle activity of the upper trapezius and lower trapezius muscles washighest during their respective tests. Conversely, the isometric muscle activity of the middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles was not highest during their respective tests. Discussion and Conclusion. In people with shoulder pain and functional loss, the intrarater reliability and error over 1 to 3 days were established using an HHD for measurement of isometric force for the assessment of scapular muscle performance. Error values can be used to make decisions regarding individual patients. Construct validity was established for the lower and upper trapezius muscle tests; therefore, these tests are advocated for use. However, construct validity was not demonstrated for the serratus anterior and middle trapezius muscle tests as performed in this study. Further investigation of these muscle tests is warranted.

An investigation of an ergonomics intervention to affect neck biomechanics and pain associated with smartphone use

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Minghao Tang ◽  
Carolyn M. Sommerich ◽  
Steven A. Lavender
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Head Tilt ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Erector Spinae ◽  
Neck Flexion ◽  
Head Posture ◽  
Subjective Perceptions ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Direct View ◽  
Smartphone Use

BACKGROUND: Neck discomfort and pronounced neck flexion have been associated with smartphone use. OBJECTIVE: Eye glasses with a 90 deg prism in each lens were investigated as a potential intervention to reduce awkward head and neck postures during activities involving viewing the device. METHODS: Sixteen smartphone users with neck pain and 9 asymptomatic users performed a texting task on a smartphone with and without the prism glasses, in sitting and standing postures in a laboratory setting. RESULTS: Cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius muscle activity, head posture and motion, performance, discomfort and other subjective perceptions were assessed. Prism glasses reduced neck extensor muscle activity, neck flexion, and head tilt compared to the direct view. In the symptomatic group, the intervention produced less neck and shoulder discomfort compared to the direct view. CONCLUSIONS: This intervention could offer an alternative way of interacting with a smartphone while texting in stationary postures, by reducing exposure to pronounced flexed neck and head posture commonly seen in users, and thereby could reduce neck discomfort associated with smartphone use.

scholarly journals Design of an Electromyograph Equipped with Digital Neck Angle Elevation Gauge

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-148
Author(s):  
Ahmad Kamil Solihin ◽  
Endro Yulianto ◽  
Her Gumiwang Ariswati ◽  
K. K. Mujeeb Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Spectrum ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Medical Rehabilitation ◽  
Forward Head Posture ◽  
Pass Filter ◽  
Low Pass Filter ◽  
Dc Offset ◽  
Head Posture ◽  
Upper Trapezius

The development of technology also affects human health, including body posture due to poor human position when using gadgets, both smartphones, and laptops. This study is design a tool that can measure the elevation of a person's neck angle equipped with electromyography, to help health workers, medical rehabilitation doctors to diagnose and provide treatment to patients with a bent head posture or forward head posture. In this research, an electromyography module is designed which consists of a series of instruments, a pre-amplifier circuit, a high pass filter, a low pass filter, and a dc offset regulator to be converted to digital so that it can be displayed on a laptop. In this study, the tapped muscle was the upper trapezius muscle using disposable electrodes. Meanwhile, to measure the angular elevation, the MPU 6050 sensor is used to measure the movement of the head forward. The frequency of the electromyography signal is 20-500 Hz. For software or display readings from this tool is Delphy. Meanwhile, the microcontroller used for ADC communication is Arduino Uno. From the research, it was found that the neck angle elevation gauge has a 0,597% error rate, for conditioning conducted on respondents, all respondents experienced a decrease in amplitude on the same frequency spectrum in the last ten minutes. Meanwhile, a drastic decrease occurred at the neck angle of 60°. Thus, it can be concluded that the forward position of the head affects the frequency spectrum of the neck muscles.

scholarly journals The Effect of Shoulder Abduction Angle on Trapezius Muscle Activity During Scapular Retraction Exercise

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dilara Kara ◽  
Gulcan Harput ◽  
Irem Duzgun
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Abduction Angle ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Elastic Resistance ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals ◽  
Lower Trapezius

Abstract Context: Scapular retraction exercises are often prescribed to enhance scapular stabilization. Objectives: To investigate the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT) activities, and UT/MT and UT/LT ratios during scapular retraction exercise with elastic resistance at different shoulder abduction angles. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Setting: Biomechanical analysis laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Thirty-five asymptomatic individuals. Main Outcome Measures: Surface electromyography was used to evaluate UT, MT, and LT activities during the scapular retraction exercise at 0º, 45º, 90º, and 120º shoulder abductions. Results: The mean muscle activity ranged from 15.8%–54.7% maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) for UT, 30.5%–51.6% MVIC for MT, 21.4%–25.5% MVIC for LT. A significant "muscle×angle" interaction was found (p&lt;0.001). Post hoc analysis revealed that the MT was significantly more activated than UT and LT during both retraction at 0º (p&lt;0.001; p=0.01, respectively) and 120º (p=0.03; p=0.002, respectively). During retraction at 45º and 90º, the LT generated significantly lower activity than the UT (p=0.02; p=0.03, respectively) and MT (p&lt;0.001; p=0.002, respectively). Besides, UT/MT and UT/LT ratios during retraction at 0º were significantly lower than 45º (p=0.03; p=0.001, respectively) and 90º (p&lt;0.001; p&lt;0.001, respectively). Retraction at 90º resulted significantly higher UT/LT ratio than 45º (p=0.004) and 120º (p=0.004). Conclusions: Due to lower UT activity relative to MT, retraction at 0º, 45º, and 120º can be preferred in early shoulder training or rehabilitation. Additionally, retraction at 90º was the most effective exercise in activating entire trapezius muscle parts.

Relationship Between Middle Trapezius Muscle Activation and Acromiohumeral Distance Change During Shoulder Elevation With Scapular Retraction

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hande Guney-Deniz ◽  
Gulcan Harput ◽  
Ugur Toprak ◽  
Irem Duzgun
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Activation Level ◽  
Distance Difference ◽  
Acromiohumeral Distance ◽  
The Relationship

Context:The scapular retraction exercises are widely used among clinicians to balance the activity of the scapular muscles as well as the rotator cuff muscles in different shoulder abduction positions.Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between scapular (middle and upper trapezius) and shoulder muscles (middle deltoid and infraspinatus) activation level differences and acromiohumeral distance changes during shoulder abduction with scapular retraction.Design:Cross-sectional study.Setting:University research laboratory.Participants:Nineteen asymptomatic individuals were included (mean [SD]: age = 22.4 [1.8] y).Main Outcome Measure:The acromiohumeral distance was measured at 0° and 90° shoulder abduction when the scapula was in nonretracted and retracted position with ultrasound imaging. The relationship between muscle activation level changes and acromiohumeral distance difference was analyzed with the Pearson correlation test.Results:Middle trapezius muscle activity change correlated with acromiohumeral distance difference (r = .55,P = .02) from 0° to 90° shoulder abduction when scapula was retracted. For both nonretracted and retracted scapular positions, no correlations were found between middle deltoid, infraspinatus, and upper trapezius muscle activity changes with acromiohumeral distance differences during shoulder abduction (P > .05).Conclusions:Active scapular retraction exercise, especially focusing on the middle trapezius muscle activation, seems to be an effective treatment option to optimize the acromiohumeral distance during shoulder abduction.

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.

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