Activity of Muscles Surrounding Shoulder Joint during Push-Up Exercise according to the Change of Tilting Table Angle

PURPOSE: This study was implemented to measure the muscle activity of muscles surrounding shoulder during push-up exercise according to the slope angle. METHODS: This study has research subject consisting of 25 normal male adults without neurologic or musculoskeletal injury in shoulder part. EMG was used as a tool for measuring muscle activity and four muscles including upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), Lower Trapezius (LT), and Serratus Anterior (SA) were chosen for measuring the muscle activity of muscles surrounding shoulder. Tilting table slope was set at $0^{\circ}$, $30^{\circ}$, $45^{\circ}$, and $60^{\circ}$ and push-up motion was performed three time for each case to use the average value. The measured value was used after generalization process to create %RVC value where the measured value was standardized by using $0^{\circ}$ as a standard. RESULTS: There was a difference of muscle activity according to the tilting table slope during push-up exercise. In UT, MT, and SA, there was no significant $0^{\circ}$ and $30^{\circ}$, $45^{\circ}$ and $60^{\circ}$. But there was significant $30^{\circ}$ and $45^{\circ}$. LT was significant difference between $45^{\circ}$ and $60^{\circ}$ (p<.05). CONCLUSION: There are cases where push-up exercise should be selectively implemented due to shoulder problems. According to this results between $0^{\circ}$ and $30^{\circ}$, push up will be able to more effectively exercise. Applying proper angle of tilting table for push-up to patients who have difficulties in performing motions along with physical consumption can deliver effective and easy exercise program.