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http://dx.doi.org/10.12674/ptk.2013.20.3.027

Comparison of the EMG Activities of Scapular Upward Rotators and Other Scapular Muscles Among Three Lower Trapezius Strengthening Exercises  

Yong, Joon-Hyoung (Dept. of Physical Therapy, Hallym Polytechnic University)
Weon, Jong-Hyuck (Dept. of Physical Therapy, College of Tourism & Health Science, Joongbu University)
Publication Information
Physical Therapy Korea / v.20, no.3, 2013 , pp. 27-35 More about this Journal
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the electromyographic (EMG) activity levels of the scapular upward rotators [upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA)] and other scapular muscles [posterior deltoid (PD), levator scapulae (LS), and infraspinatus (IS)] during isometric lower trapezius exercises. Twenty males with no medical history of shoulder pain or upper extremity disorders were recruited for this study. EMG activity was recorded from the UT, LT, SA, PD, LS, and IS while subjects performed three different exercises: Prone arm lift (PAL), Backward rocking diagonal arm lift (BRDAL), Modified Prone Cobra (MPC). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine any significant differences among the three exercises. A lower relative activation of UT, LT, and SA was seen with the MPC than with the other exercises (p<.05). The relatively lower activation of the UT identified, the MPC exercise as the preferred choice for preferential strengthening the LT (p<.05). However, a higher activation in the PD, LS, and IS occurred with the MPC than with the other exercises (p>.05). The recruitment pattern of synergist varied depending on the exercise posture. These findings suggest that exercise posture is an important factor in the selection of strengthening exercise for weak muscle.
Keywords
Electromyography; Lower trapezius; Scapular upward rotators; Strengthening exercise;
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