Scapular Muscle Activation in Individuals With Shoulder Pathology During Early Phase Scapular Stabilization Exercises

Rehabilitation exercises to restore scapular stabilization promote balance in activation between the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) muscles. Research examining early stage scapular rehabilitation exercises is limited to asymptomatic adults. The study’s purpose was to determine whether scapular muscle activation ratios (UT/MT, UT/LT, and UT/SA) differ between glenohumeral joint pathology (n = 14) and asymptomatic controls (n = 12) during concentric and eccentric phases of five scapular stabilization rehabilitation exercises (2 per ratio). UT, MT, LT, and SA activity was measured using surface electromyography during concentric and eccentric phases of exercises. Activation ratios were calculated using normalized mean surface electromyography. Results found no group differences in activation ratio (Rehabilitation exercises to restore scapular stabilization promote balance in activation between the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) muscles. Research examining early stage scapular rehabilitation exercises is limited to asymptomatic adults. The study’s purpose was to determine whether scapular muscle activation ratios (UT/MT, UT/LT, and UT/SA) differ between glenohumeral joint pathology (n = 14) and asymptomatic controls (n = 12) during concentric and eccentric phases of five scapular stabilization rehabilitation exercises (2 per ratio). UT, MT, LT, and SA activity was measured using surface electromyography during concentric and eccentric phases of exercises. Activation ratios were calculated using normalized mean surface electromyography. Results found no group differences in activation ratio (P≥ .095), but did identify differences (P< .009) between concentric and eccentric phases of sidelying forward flexion, prone horizontal abduction/external rotation exercises. These findings can be a valuable resource for clinicians in developing a rehabilitation program that promotes desirable scapular muscle activation ratios. [Athletic Training & Sports Health Care.2015;7(4):151–159.]