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.

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.

Muscle Activity as a Releasing Factor for Pain in the Shoulder and Neck

Cephalalgia ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 19 (25_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
RH Westgaard
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Experimental Situation ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Occupational Setting ◽  
Autonomic Activation ◽  
Pain Symptoms ◽  
Vocational Studies

In this review, the evidence for trapezius muscle activity as a releasing factor for shoulder and neck pain is considered, mainly on the basis of studies in our laboratory. Two lines of evidence are produced, (i) vocational studies in an occupational setting, where muscle activity pattern is recorded by surface EMG and a clinical examination of the shoulder region of the subjects performed; and (ii) laboratory studies where muscle activity patterns and pain development are recorded in an experimental situation with mental stress and minimal physical activity. The vocational studies demonstrate pain development in the shoulder and neck despite very low muscle activity recorded, making it very difficult to assume muscular involvement for all cases with such complaints. However, the hypothesis of pain development through overexertion of a subpopulation of low-threshold motor units also makes it difficult to draw a firm negative conclusion. The laboratory experiments, on the other hand, show that trapezius activity patterns in response to stress have many features that would be expected if muscle activation induces pain symptoms. It is further noted that the trapezius is the only muscle with activity patterns that show these features. Possibly, we observe the effects of parallel physiological phenomena, e.g., a systemic autonomic activation that induces pain symptoms and also facilitates the motor response of some muscles. Evidence of autonomic activation of trapezius is presented by the observation of low-level, rhythmic EMG activity during sleep. However, this is not firm evidence for the above hypothesis, which at present best serves as a basis for further experimentation.

Effects of Kinesiology Taping on Scapular Reposition Accuracy, Kinematics, and Muscle Activity in Athletes With Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 560-569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Fen Shih ◽  
Ya-Fang Lee ◽  
Wen-Yin Chen
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Position Sense ◽  
Joint Position Sense ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Shoulder Impingement ◽  
Scapular Kinematics ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Posterior Tilt ◽  
Lower Trapezius

Context:Scapular proprioception is a key concern in managing shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). However, no study has examined the effect of elastic taping on scapular proprioception performance.Objective:To investigate the immediate effect of kinesiology taping (KT) on scapular reposition accuracy, kinematics, and muscle activation in individuals with SIS.Design:Randomized controlled study.Setting:Musculoskeletal laboratory, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan.Participants:Thirty overhead athletes with SIS.Interventions:KT or placebo taping over the upper and lower trapezius muscles.Main Outcome Measures:The primary outcome measures were scapular joint position sense, measured as the reposition errors, in the direction of scapular elevation and protraction. The secondary outcomes were scapular kinematics and muscle activity of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior during arm elevation in the scapular plane (scaption).Results:Compared with placebo taping, KT significantly decreased the reposition errors of upward/downward rotation (P = .04) and anterior/posterior tilt (P = .04) during scapular protraction. KT also improved scapular kinematics (significant group by taping effect for posterior tilt,P = .03) during scaption. Kinesiology and placebo tapings had a similar effect on upper trapezius muscle activation (significant taping effect,P = .003) during scaption.Conclusions:Our study identified the positive effects of KT on scapular joint position sense and movement control. Future studies with a longer period of follow-up and clinical measurement might help to clarify the clinical effect and mechanisms of elastic taping in individuals with SIS.

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 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.

The Effect of Upper Trapezius Taping on Electromyographic Activity in the Upper and Middle Trapezius Region

1997 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 309-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary E. Morin ◽  
David Tiberio ◽  
Gary Austin
Keyword(s):  
Isometric Contraction ◽  
Trapezius Muscle ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Electromyographic Activity ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Shoulder Muscles ◽  
Lower Trapezius ◽  
The Right ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Muscular Imbalance

A characteristic of scapulothoracic dysfunction is the tendency for the upper regions of the trapezius to hypertrophy in relation to its middle and lower portions. This creates a muscular imbalance that can alter scapular position and subsequently the length–tension relationship of the shoulder muscles. Tape was applied over the right upper trapezius to inhibit electrical activity in the muscles of 10 uninjured subjects. EMG activity was recorded in two locations of the upper trapezius and one location in the middle to lower trapezius region while each subject maintained an isometric contraction designed to activate both muscles. With the tape applied, there was a statistically significant reduction in EMG activity of the upper trapezius with a corresponding increase in the middle/lower trapezius. The ability of the tape to alter trapezius activity in this fashion may help correct muscular imbalances in the trapezius muscle.

scholarly journals Analysis of Scapular Muscle EMG Activity During Elastic Resistance Oscillation Exercises From the Perspective of Different Arm Positions

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masaaki Tsuruike ◽  
Todd S. Ellenbecker ◽  
Yoshinori Kagaya ◽  
Luke Lemings
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Exercise ◽  
Isometric Contraction ◽  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Shoulder Abduction ◽  
Arm Position ◽  
Upper Trapezius ◽  
Elastic Resistance

Background: Little is known about the optimal exercise intensity and the effects of arm position on elastic resistance exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate scapular muscle activity in different arm positions utilized during standing elastic resistance exercise. Hypothesis: Lower trapezius (LT), serratus anterior (SA), and infraspinatus (IS) muscle activity will vary across arm positions above shoulder level. Also, oscillation resistance exercise will result in increased muscle activity compared with isometric contraction. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: A total of 19 uninjured male collegiate baseball players volunteered to participate in this study. The electromyography (EMG) activity of the LT, upper trapezius (UT), middle deltoid (MD), SA, and IS muscles was determined using surface EMG in 3 arm positions: diagonal pattern 1 (D1), 120° of shoulder abduction (120), and 90° shoulder abduction with external rotation and elbow flexion (90/90) during both isometric contraction and oscillation resistance exercise. Results: No difference in EMG activity of the LT muscle was found between the 120 and 90/90 position. However, the 120 position increased UT and MD muscle activity significantly more than those of the 90/90 position. The D1 arm position significantly increased SA muscle activity more than the 120 and 90/90 positions while the LT muscle activity was nearly silent. Conclusion: The standing 90/90 position effectively generated both LT and IS muscle EMG activity while minimizing both UT and MD muscle activity. Clinical Relevance: The use of oscillation movements under elastic loading can create high muscle activation in the LT muscle without an adverse effect of the humeral head position and scapular rotation.

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.

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