scholarly journals Scapular Kinematics and Shoulder Elevation in a Traditional Push-Up

2013 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 826-835 ◽  
Author(s):  
David N. Suprak ◽  
Jennifer Bohannon ◽  
Gabriel Morales ◽  
Joseph Stroschein ◽  
Jun G. San Juan

Context: Proper scapulothoracic motion is critical for the health and function of the shoulder and represents a principal focus in the rehabilitation setting. Variants of the traditional push-up are used frequently to help restore proper scapular kinematics. To date, substantial research has focused on muscle activation levels of rotator cuff and scapular-stabilizing musculature, whereas a dearth of literature exists regarding scapular kinematics during push-up variants. Objective: To examine the effect of shoulder position on scapular kinematics across the range of motion (ROM) of a traditional push-up. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: University laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen healthy participants without a history of upper extremity or spine injury requiring rehabilitation or surgery. Intervention(s): Participants performed a traditional push-up while kinematic measurements were acquired from multiple upper extremity segments. The 3 shoulder position conditions were (1) self-selected position, (2) shoulder adducted upon ascent (at side), and (3) shoulder elevated to approximately 90°. Main Outcome Measure(s): Scapular posterior tilt, upward rotation, and external rotation were examined across elbow-extension ROM and compared across conditions. Results: Posterior tilt was greater in the self-selected and at-side conditions than in the elevated condition and increased linearly with elbow extension. External rotation was greater in the self-selected and at-side conditions compared with that in the elevated condition. In the at-side condition, upward rotation began lower than in the other conditions at the start of the concentric phase but increased above the others soon after the elbow started to extend. Conclusions: Performing a traditional push-up with the shoulders elevated may place the scapula in a position of impingement. Clinicians should be cognizant of shoulder elevation when prescribing and monitoring exercise progression. The results of this study will provide further direction for clinicians in prescribing rehabilitation exercises for the upper extremity, especially closed chain exercises for shoulder conditions.

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gretchen Oliver ◽  
Wendi Weimar

Abstract Literature has revealed the importance of quantifying resting scapular posture in overhead athletes as well as quantifying scapular kinematics during dynamic movement. Prior to this project much of the attention in throwing research had been focused on the position of the humerus without description of the positioning of the scapula. Therefore, it was the purpose of this study to present scapular kinematics during pitching in youth baseball players. Twenty-five youth baseball players (age 11.3 + 1.0 years; body height 152.4 + 9.0 cm; body mass 47.5 + 11.3 kg), with no history of injury, participated in the study. Scapular kinematics at the events of maximum humeral external rotation (MER) and maximum humeral internal rotation (MIR) during the pitching motion were assessed three-dimensionally while pitching fastballs for strikes. Results revealed that at the event of MER, the scapula was in a position of retraction, upward rotation and a posterior tilt. While at the event of MIR, the scapula was protracted, upward rotated and tilted anteriorly.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Nathan Harrison ◽  
W. Zach Garrett ◽  
Mark K. Timmons

Context: Fatigue of the scapular stabilizing muscles resulting from repeated arm motion has been reported to alter scapular kinematics, which could result in shoulder pathology, especially impingement. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of fatigue of the serratus anterior muscle on scapular kinematics, specifically, decrease scapular posterior tilt and upward scapular rotation during arm elevation. Design: Repeated measures. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Thirty participants were included in the investigation. Interventions: Scapular kinematics and shoulder strength were measured before and immediately following a serratus anterior fatigue protocol. Main Outcome: Scapular 3-dimensional position during arm elevation. Results: No difference in upward rotation of the scapula between prefatigue and postfatigue conditions (ascending: P = .188; descending: P = .798). Scapular posterior tilt decreased during arm elevation following the fatigue protocol between 60° and 90° and 90° and 120° of arm elevation during the ascent (P = .004) and the descent (P = .013). Fatigue by arm elevation angle interaction was found for clavicular elevation during the ascent (P = .050) between 90° and 120° of arm elevation. Scapular internal rotation increased during the ascent (P = .027). There was no difference in clavicular protraction between the prefatigue and postfatigue conditions (ascending: P ≤ .001; descending: P ≤ .001). Conclusion: Fatigue of the serratus anterior decreases posterior scapular tilt and greater clavicular elevation and scapular internal rotation at higher arm elevation angles. These findings are consistent with the scapular kinematic patterns associated with shoulder pain. Improving serratus anterior endurance might delay the changes in scapular kinematics associated with repeated arm motion and shoulder injury mechanisms.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 205566831983163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shayne Lin ◽  
Jotvarinder Mann ◽  
Avril Mansfield ◽  
Rosalie H Wang ◽  
Jocelyn E Harris ◽  
...  

Introduction Homework-based rehabilitation programs can help stroke survivors restore upper extremity function. However, compensatory motions can develop without therapist supervision, leading to sub-optimal recovery. We developed a visual feedback system using a live video feed or an avatar reflecting users' movements so users are aware of compensations. This pilot study aimed to evaluate validity (how well the avatar characterizes different types of compensations) and acceptability of the system. Methods Ten participants with chronic stroke performed upper-extremity exercises under three feedback conditions: none, video, and avatar. Validity was evaluated by comparing agreement on compensations annotated using video and avatar images. A usability survey was administered to participants after the experiment to obtain information on acceptability. Results There was substantial agreement between video and avatar images for shoulder elevation and hip extension (Cohen's κ: 0.6–0.8) and almost perfect agreement for trunk rotation and flexion (κ: 0.80–1). Acceptability was low due to lack of corrective prompts and occasional noise with the avatar display. Most participants suggested that an automatic compensation detection feature with visual and auditory cuing would improve the system. Conclusion The avatar characterized four types of compensations well. Future work will involve increasing sensitivity for shoulder elevation and implementing a method to detect compensations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 247154921983152
Author(s):  
David R Sollaccio ◽  
Joseph J King ◽  
Aimee Struk ◽  
Kevin W Farmer ◽  
Thomas W Wright

Background Few studies in the literature analyze clinical factors associated with superoptimal and suboptimal forward elevation in primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). We investigate the functional outcome stratified by shoulder elevation 12 months after primary RTSA and its correlation with selected clinical patient factors. Methods We analyzed prospectively collected data within a comprehensive surgical database on patients who had undergone primary RTSA between June 2004 and June 2013. Two hundred eighty-six shoulders were stratified into 2 groups: group I for shoulders that had achieved at least 145° of active forward elevation 12 months postoperatively (90th percentile of active forward elevation, 29 shoulders) and group II for shoulders that never achieved at least 90° of active forward elevation 12 months postoperatively (10th percentile of active forward elevation, 28 shoulders). Statistical analysis associated independent clinical variables with postoperative motion using univariate analysis followed by logistic regression. Results Active shoulder elevation of at least 90° was achieved 12 months postoperatively in 259 subjects (90%). Upon comparison with group II (<90° elevation), subjects in group I (≥145° elevation) were found to have improved postoperative active elevation and relatively younger age, lower American Society of Anesthesiologists score, increased preoperative active elevation, increased shoulder strength, increased passive elevation, decreased elevation lag, increased active and passive external rotation, and improved validated outcome scores. When assessing significant preoperative variables, the only independent predictor of improved postoperative forward elevation was preoperative active forward elevation. Conclusion These findings illuminate significant factors in the ability to achieve functional active shoulder elevation after primary RTSA. They may help surgeons appropriately counsel patients about anticipated functional prognosis following primary RTSA.


Author(s):  
Batbayar Khuyagbaatar ◽  
Tserenchimed Purevsuren ◽  
Yoon Hyuk Kim

In golf, the trunk and pelvis kinematic variables are often related to measures of performance due to the highly complex and multi-joint movements involved in swings. However, it is unclear how specific body segments or joints contributed to the golf performance parameters. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the key joints, including those of the upper and lower trunk, that are associated with golf performance parameters, such as X-Factor and pelvis motion. A motion capture system was used to obtain three-dimensional kinematics of golf swings performed by 10 low handicap male golfers. Based on regression analysis, right knee adduction, right shoulder external rotation and left elbow extension in ball address to top of the backswing and left knee adduction and lower trunk right bending with left rotation in top of the backswing to end of follow-through were presented as predictor variables for the X-Factor. For pelvis movement, a greater number of joint angles were associated with pelvis posterior tilt during backswing and pelvis motion to target with right rotation during downswing/follow-through. This study provides fundamental details of the movement mechanisms of major joints, as well as their relationships with performance parameters. Such understanding can be combined with training to improve the golfing skill and prevent possible injuries.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0040
Author(s):  
Caleb Gulledge ◽  
Toufic Jildeh ◽  
Joseph Tramer ◽  
Fabien Meta ◽  
Kevin Taylor ◽  
...  

Objectives: Overuse injuries in overhead athletes are becoming more prevalent, with an unclear relationship between shoulder biomechanics and medial elbow symptoms and injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of shoulder range of motion to torque across the medial elbow in college pitchers using a validated MOTUS sensor baseball sleeve. Methods: Pitchers were recruited from three local university baseball teams. Exclusion criteria included injury or restricted activity due to pain. They were evaluated in the preseason, within two weeks before their first game of the season. Pitchers completed workload questionnaires and patient reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS) pain interference (PI), physical function (PF), and upper extremity (UE) surveys. Shoulder range of motion and upper extremity lengths were measured bilaterally. After adequate warm-up, pitchers were fitted with a MOTUS sensor baseball sleeve (Motus Global, Massapequa, NY) and instructed to throw 5 fastballs in a standardized manner off the mound at game-speed effort. The sensor placed at the medial elbow reported elbow torque, arm speed, arm slot, and shoulder rotation for each pitch, while a radar gun measured peak ball velocity. The primary outcome was to evaluate the relationship between shoulder range of motion and increased stress across the medial elbow. Additional outcomes evaluated pitcher characteristics, demographics, and outcome scores. Outcomes were assessed via a multivariable model, which controlled for possible covariates. Results: Twenty-eight pitchers were included in the preseason analysis with an average (SD) age of 20.1 (1.3) years and playing experience of 15.3 (1.8) years, 2.5 (1.2) of those years at collegiate level. The dominant shoulder demonstrated decreased internal rotation (54.5+/-10.6 vs 65.8+/-9.1) and increased external rotation (ER, 94.1+/-10.4 vs 88.4+/-9.2) relative to the non-dominant side (p < 0.001), while total rotational range of motion (TRROM) was significantly decreased in the dominant arm (148.6+/-12.4 vs 154.1+/-10.6, p < 0.001). The average glenohumeral internal rotation deficiency (GIRD) was 11.3 (9.87) and average external rotation gain (ERG) was 5.71 (8.8). External rotation was found to be a predictor of arm stress, with an increase in 0.35 Nm of elbow torque for every degree increase in ER (beta = 0.35+/-0.06, p = 0.003); there was moderate correlation between ER and arm stress (r = .45, P<.001). Pitchers demonstrated significantly greater arm stress with the following shoulder ROM measurements: GIRD < 20 as compared to greater than 20 degrees (46.6 +/- 0.5 versus 43.5 +/- 1.1, P=.011), ERG greater than 5 as compared to < 5 degrees (47.4 +/- 0.7 versus 45.1 +/- 0.6, P=.014), and loss of total rotational ROM less than 5 as compared to > 5 degrees (46.6 +/- 0.5 versus 43.6 +/- 1.1, P=.013). Multivariate analysis demonstrated significant predictors of PROMIS PF and UE scores were arm stress, ERG, and GIRD (p<0.05), while increased PROMIS PI scores were predicted by increased ERG and GIRD (p<0.05). Conclusion: We found medial elbow stress, arm speed, arm slot, and shoulder rotation as measured by the MOTUS baseball sensor sleeve were influenced by rotational adaptations of the pitching shoulder in collegiate throwing athletes prior to their season. Likewise, arm stress and shoulder rotational adaptations were reflected as predictors of PROMIS PF, UE, and PI scores.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967119S0042
Author(s):  
Donna Moxley Scarborough ◽  
Shannon E. Linderman ◽  
Javier E. Sanchez ◽  
Eric M. Berkson

Objectives: Ball velocity is generated during the overhead baseball pitch via efficient force transmission up the kinetic chain, from the lower body up and outward to the throwing hand. The kinematic sequence, or the sequential timing pattern of peak angular velocities of body segments during a pitch, provides insight to segment position and motion control that drives the kinetic chain (Putnam CA, 1993). Previous publications report an ideal kinematic sequence (KS) where the timing of each body segment’s peak angular velocity occurs in a proximal-to-distal (PDS) pattern resulting in greater ball velocity and reduction in throwing arm injury risk (Fortenbaugh D, et.al, 2009). A recent study revealed that baseball pitchers perform a variety of KSs (Scarborough DM et.al, 2018). There is no known investigation of the relationship of kinematic sequences and throwing arm joint torques. The purpose of this study was to 1) identify the number of different KSs performed by each pitcher and 2) compare elbow valgus and shoulder external rotation (ER) and extension (Ext) torques between the 3 primary KSs performed during the fastball pitch. Methods: Fourteen collegiate baseball pitchers (20.57 ± 1.91 yr) underwent 3D biomechanical pitch analysis using 20 motion-capture Vicon MX™ cameras (360 Hz). A total of 119 fastball pitches with an average of 8.5 ± 2.71 pitches per player were analyzed. Elbow valgus and shoulder external rotation and extension torques were calculated. The timing of peak angular velocities for the pelvis, trunk, arm, forearm and hand body segments were recorded to generate each pitch’s KS. KSs were then divided into groups based on similarities to the ideal PDS pattern. ANCOVA statistical analyses were performed to compare joint torques across these KS groups with ball velocity as a covariate. Results: A total of 13 different KSs were observed across the 14 pitchers resulting in an average of 3 ± 1.41 different KSs per pitcher. Three different primary KS groups were identified: (1) PDS group: with a KS closest to the ideal PDS pattern (2) the Altered Distal Upper Extremity segment: with the forearm peaking after the hand (the most common group) and (3) Altered Proximal Upper Extremity segment order with the arm segment peaking after the hand (2nd most common). Across these three primary KS patterns, statistically significant differences were noted for elbow valgus torque [F(62,2) = 8.785, ɳ2 = .221, p < 0.00], shoulder external rotation (ER) torque [F(62,2) = 14.127, ɳ2 = .313, p < 0.00] and shoulder extension (Ext) torque [F(62,2) = 13.237, ɳ2 = .299, p < 0.00] (Figure 1). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that collegiate baseball pitchers performed an average of 3 different kinematic sequence patterns during fastball pitching. This is the first study to demonstrate a relationship between KSs and elbow and shoulder torque production. As anticipated, the PDS KSs produced the least torque across the elbow and shoulder joints. Alterations in Distal Upper Extremity KS was most common and generated the greatest shoulder Ext torques. Alterations in the Proximal Upper Extremity KS demonstrated the greatest elbow valgus and shoulder ER. Further study of the influence of kinematic sequence on joint torques in the baseball pitch may provide insight into pitching injuries and injury avoidance programs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 557-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zinat Ashnagar ◽  
Azadeh Shadmehr ◽  
Mohammadreza Hadian ◽  
Saeed Talebian ◽  
Shohreh Jalaei

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo P. de Castro ◽  
Daniel Cury Ribeiro ◽  
Felipe de C. Forte ◽  
Joelly M. de Toledo ◽  
Daniela Aldabe ◽  
...  

The current study aimed to compare the shoulder kinematics (3D scapular orientation, scapular angular displacement and scapulohumeral rhythm) of asymptomatic participants under unloaded and loaded conditions during unilateral shoulder elevation in the scapular plane. We used a repeated-measures design with a convenience sample. Eleven male participants with an age range of 21–28 years with no recent history of shoulder injury participated in the study. The participants performed isometric shoulder elevation from a neutral position to approximately 150 degrees of elevation in the scapular plane in intervals of approximately 30 degrees during unloaded and loaded conditions. Shoulder kinematic data were obtained with videogrammetry. During shoulder elevation, the scapula rotated upwardly and externally, and tilted posteriorly. The addition of an external load did not affect 3D scapular orientation, scapular angular displacement, or scapulohumeral rhythm throughout shoulder elevation (P> .05). In clinical practice, clinicians should expect to observe upward and external rotation and posterior tilt of the scapula during their assessments of shoulder elevation. Such behavior was not influenced by an external load normalized to 5% of body weight when performed in an asymptomatic population.


2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mithun Joshi ◽  
Charles A. Thigpen ◽  
Kevin Bunn ◽  
Spero G. Karas ◽  
Darin A. Padua

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.


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