Exercises with the Greatest EMG Activation for Scapular Stabilizing Muscles: A Systematic Review
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
Purpose: Due to the highly mobile nature of the shoulder joint, decreased muscular endurance, and complex demands of overhead athletics, risk of scapular dysfunction is significantly increased. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to determine the most effective exercises that produce the greatest EMG activation among the scapular stabilizing muscles. Research is limited on scapular stabilizing exercises that produce optimal %MVIC values, and therefore this review aims to create a compilation of the most common and effective exercises clinicians can incorporate into their injury prevention protocols. Methods: A database search was performed using SportDiscus and PubMed October of 2018. Keywords, such as serratus anterior, scapular dyskinesis, Electromyography (EMG) activity, scapulothoracic, scapula upward rotation, and serratus anterior activation, were utilized to identify related articles. Studies were included if they used EMG analysis as their primary measure. Furthermore, studies were included if they discussed %MVIC values, scapular stabilization exercises, and muscle ratios. Of the 2,215 studies screened for inclusion criteria based on title and abstract, 39 articles were screened using a full-text review, and 18 studies qualified for the systematic review. Results: Eighteen controlled laboratory and observational studies, with a mean of 23 subjects per study, were selected for the review. The exercises that produced the greatest %MVIC values for individual scapular stabilizing muscles included side-lying ER with underarm towel, rowing, standing ER at 90° ABD, unilateral shoulder shrug, horizontal ABD (neutral), and an arm raise overhead in line with lower trapezius muscle fibers. Conclusion: This review summarizes the exercises that produce optimal EMG activation of the scapular stabilizing muscles to reduce the risk of injury and correct scapulothoracic and scapulohumeral abnormalities. Future research is warranted to further evaluate muscle activation in the muscles of interest, specifically between pathological and non-pathological shoulders, to identify which exercises are appropriate to implement in an injury prevention program.
Mentor Name
Valerie Moody
Exercises with the Greatest EMG Activation for Scapular Stabilizing Muscles: A Systematic Review
UC North Ballroom
Purpose: Due to the highly mobile nature of the shoulder joint, decreased muscular endurance, and complex demands of overhead athletics, risk of scapular dysfunction is significantly increased. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to determine the most effective exercises that produce the greatest EMG activation among the scapular stabilizing muscles. Research is limited on scapular stabilizing exercises that produce optimal %MVIC values, and therefore this review aims to create a compilation of the most common and effective exercises clinicians can incorporate into their injury prevention protocols. Methods: A database search was performed using SportDiscus and PubMed October of 2018. Keywords, such as serratus anterior, scapular dyskinesis, Electromyography (EMG) activity, scapulothoracic, scapula upward rotation, and serratus anterior activation, were utilized to identify related articles. Studies were included if they used EMG analysis as their primary measure. Furthermore, studies were included if they discussed %MVIC values, scapular stabilization exercises, and muscle ratios. Of the 2,215 studies screened for inclusion criteria based on title and abstract, 39 articles were screened using a full-text review, and 18 studies qualified for the systematic review. Results: Eighteen controlled laboratory and observational studies, with a mean of 23 subjects per study, were selected for the review. The exercises that produced the greatest %MVIC values for individual scapular stabilizing muscles included side-lying ER with underarm towel, rowing, standing ER at 90° ABD, unilateral shoulder shrug, horizontal ABD (neutral), and an arm raise overhead in line with lower trapezius muscle fibers. Conclusion: This review summarizes the exercises that produce optimal EMG activation of the scapular stabilizing muscles to reduce the risk of injury and correct scapulothoracic and scapulohumeral abnormalities. Future research is warranted to further evaluate muscle activation in the muscles of interest, specifically between pathological and non-pathological shoulders, to identify which exercises are appropriate to implement in an injury prevention program.