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 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.

Use of a Shoulder Rest for Playing the Violin Revisited: An Analysis of the Effect of Shoulder Rest Height on Muscle Activity, Violin Fixation Force, and Player Comfort

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M Kok ◽  
Jim Schrijvers ◽  
Marta Fiocco ◽  
Barend van Royen ◽  
Jaap Harlaar
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Anterior Part ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Deltoid Muscle ◽  
Surface Emg ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Shoulder Muscles ◽  
Rest Condition

AIMS: For violinists, the shoulder rest is an ergonomic adaptation to reduce musculoskeletal load. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how the height of the shoulder rest affects the violin fixation force and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the superficial neck and shoulder muscles. METHODS: In professional violinists, four different shoulder rest heights during five playing conditions were evaluated. Outcome variables included the jaw-shoulder violin fixation force and bilateral surface EMG of the upper trapezius (mTP), sternocleidomastoid (mSCM), and left anterior part of the left deltoid muscle (mDTA). Playing comfort was subjectively rated on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Linear regression models were estimated to investigate the influence of the shoulder rest height on muscle activity and violin fixation force as well as the muscle activity of the five evaluated muscles on violin fixation force. RESULTS: 20 professional violinists (4 males, 16 females, mean age 29.4 yrs) participated in this study. The shoulder rest condition had a significant effect on playing comfort (p<0.001), with higher shoulder rest conditions associated with decreased subjective playing comfort. The mean violin fixation force for each shoulder rest condition ranged between 2.92 and 3.39 N; higher shoulder rests were related to a higher violin fixation force (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, violin fixation force and muscle activity of the left mDTA increased while playing with an increasing height of the shoulder rest. As the shoulder rest influences muscle activity patterns and violin fixation force, adjustment of the shoulder rest and positioning of the violin need to be carefully optimized.

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.

EMG Analysis of Patients with Unilateral Neck Pain

1999 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Whalen ◽  
Steven P. Konstant ◽  
Teddy W. Worrell ◽  
Sam Kegerreis
Keyword(s):  
Neck Pain ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Physical Therapist ◽  
Surface Emg ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Visual Analog Scales ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
Emg Electrodes

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences exist in EMG activity between involved and uninvolved upper trapezius muscles in participants with unilateral neck pain. Thirteen volunteers, seen by a physical therapist, gave informed consent. Surface EMG electrodes were placed on involved and uninvolved upper trapezius muscles. Root mean squared EMG activity was measured. Visual analog scales (VASs) for pain were used for each side. Reliability data indicated high ICC (2,1) but also large SEMs and CVs. EMG activity increased from resting to shrugging to abducting positions. Participants perceived greater pain on the involved side than the uninvolved side. EMG readings for individuals were consistent, however, between participants. EMG had high variability. Although participants' VAS scores were consistent with their reports of unilateral neck pain, surface EMG readings did not support the existence of increased muscle activity on the involved side.

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.

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.

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°.

Rehabilitation of Scapular Muscle Balance

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 1744-1751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann M. Cools ◽  
Vincent Dewitte ◽  
Frederick Lanszweert ◽  
Dries Notebaert ◽  
Arne Roets ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
External Rotation ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Shoulder Injury ◽  
Serratus Anterior ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Strengthening Exercises ◽  
Muscle Balance ◽  
Lower Trapezius ◽  
Balance Rehabilitation

Background Strengthening exercises for the scapular muscles are used in the treatment of scapulothoracic dysfunction related to shoulder injury. In view of the intermuscular and intramuscular imbalances often established in these patients, exercises promoting lower trapezius (LT), middle trapezius (MT), and serratus anterior (SA) activation with minimal activity in the upper trapezius (UT) are recommended. Hypothesis Of 12 commonly used trapezius strengthening exercises, a selection can be performed for muscle balance rehabilitation, based on a low UT/LT, UT/MT, or UT/SA muscle ratio. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Electromyographic activity of the 3 trapezius parts and the SA was measured in 45 healthy subjects performing 12 commonly described scapular exercises, using surface electromyography. Results For each intramuscular trapezius ratio (UT/LT, UT/MT), 3 exercises were selected for restoration of muscle balance. The exercises side-lying external rotation, side-lying forward flexion, prone horizontal abduction with external rotation, and prone extension were found to be the most appropriate for intramuscular trapezius muscle balance rehabilitation. For the UT/SA ratio, none of the exercises met the criteria for optimal intermuscular balance restoration. Conclusion In cases of trapezius muscle imbalance, some exercises are preferable over others because of their low UT/LT and UT/MT ratios. Clinical Relevance In the selection of rehabilitation exercises, the clinician should have a preference for exercises with high activation of the LT and MT and low activity of the UT.

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.

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