Co-Author(s)

Cunningham, Wren

Research Mentor(s)

San Juan, Jun G.; Suprak, Davd N. (David Nathan)

Description

This study investigated the effects of a five-week EMG biofeedback intervention on scapular stabilizer muscle activation, and scapular kinematics, in a healthy population. Twenty subjects participated in the study (n = 10 exercise with biofeedback, n = 10 exercise only). Both groups participated in exercises targeted at activating the serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscles three days a week for five weeks. The exercise with biofeedback group completed a biofeedback session once a week. All subjects were tested at baseline, week 6, and week 8 for muscle activation of the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (UT), and serratus anterior (SA), as well as scapular kinematics. Statistical analysis was performed using a three-way mixed analysis of variance. There was no significance observed with scapular posterior tilt (p = 0.212), upward rotation (p = 0.668), or external rotation (p = 0.880) for neither group. No significance was observed with mean EMG amplitude (p = 0.249). Therefore the hypothesis was rejected. There was a trend toward increased scapular upward rotation, as well as a decrease in mean UT EMG amplitude for the exercise only group, although not statistically significant. Lowered UT activation is indicative of better musculature control, and could potentially lead to positive alterations in scapular kinematics, often observed as increased posterior tilt, upward rotation, and external rotation. This is thought to lead to an increase in subacromial space, and lessen the risk of onset SIS. The results from this study could assist in the development of a preventative type of program for a healthy population that is at a heightened risk for developing SIS. There is little research investigating the optimal duration and frequency for a preventative type of program, and this protocol could be a good foundation for future research investigating viable preventative tools for the onset of SIS.

Document Type

Event

Start Date

15-5-2015 10:00 AM

End Date

15-5-2015 2:00 PM

Department

Health and Human Development

Genre/Form

student projects; posters

Subjects – Topical (LCSH)

Biofeedback training; Shoulder joint--Rotator cuff--Wounds and injuries--Prevention

Type

Image

Keywords

Biofeedback, EMG, Electromyography, Scapular Kinematics, Muscle Activation

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this documentation for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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May 15th, 10:00 AM May 15th, 2:00 PM

The Effect of a Five-Week Exercise Intervention Using EMG Biofeedback on Scapular Stabilizer Muscle Activation and Scapular Kinematics.

This study investigated the effects of a five-week EMG biofeedback intervention on scapular stabilizer muscle activation, and scapular kinematics, in a healthy population. Twenty subjects participated in the study (n = 10 exercise with biofeedback, n = 10 exercise only). Both groups participated in exercises targeted at activating the serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscles three days a week for five weeks. The exercise with biofeedback group completed a biofeedback session once a week. All subjects were tested at baseline, week 6, and week 8 for muscle activation of the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (UT), and serratus anterior (SA), as well as scapular kinematics. Statistical analysis was performed using a three-way mixed analysis of variance. There was no significance observed with scapular posterior tilt (p = 0.212), upward rotation (p = 0.668), or external rotation (p = 0.880) for neither group. No significance was observed with mean EMG amplitude (p = 0.249). Therefore the hypothesis was rejected. There was a trend toward increased scapular upward rotation, as well as a decrease in mean UT EMG amplitude for the exercise only group, although not statistically significant. Lowered UT activation is indicative of better musculature control, and could potentially lead to positive alterations in scapular kinematics, often observed as increased posterior tilt, upward rotation, and external rotation. This is thought to lead to an increase in subacromial space, and lessen the risk of onset SIS. The results from this study could assist in the development of a preventative type of program for a healthy population that is at a heightened risk for developing SIS. There is little research investigating the optimal duration and frequency for a preventative type of program, and this protocol could be a good foundation for future research investigating viable preventative tools for the onset of SIS.

 

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