Electromyographic Analysis of Scapular Muscles During Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises

In shoulder rehabilitation, the inclusion of kinetic chain exercises is advocated in order to provide the necessary energy transfer to produce optimal force with minimal energy consumption. Closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises are defined as exercises in which the distal segment is stabilized by encountering significant resistance while the proximal segment moves. In contrast, open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises allow the distal segment to move freely without any resistance. Recently, the importance of closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises has increased in enhancing shoulder joint neuromuscular control by improving dynamic shoulder stability and joint position sense.

The most current shoulder rehabilitation protocols include exercises for restoration of scapular muscle imbalances.There exist studies investigating the levels of scapular muscle activation during CKC exercises. Researchers have shown that most CKC exercises especially push-ups and plank variations with the shoulder in the 90° position, generally provide high SA activity and an optimal UT/SA ratio.In the literature, there is limited information on how the level of shoulder elevation affects scapular muscle activity and ratio during closed kinetic chain exercises in the prone position. To effectively prescribe CKC exercises commonly used in rehabilitation and athletic programs, a clear understanding of shoulder elevation changes muscle activity during these exercises is required.

Our hypothesis is that glenohumeral joint elevation status will alter scapular muscle activation and activation rates.

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Key information

Conditions

Shoulder Pain Activation, Patient Arthralgia Behavior Health Behavior Joint Diseases Motor Activity Musculoskeletal Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Patient Acceptance of Health Care Patient Participation Shoulder Injuries Signs and Symptoms Treatment Adherence and Compliance Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hacettepe University

Ankara, 06430, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Twenty-two healthy male individuals to recruited in the study. Conducting a power analysis through G∗Power, considering a moderate effect size (f = 0.25), an alpha level of 0.05, and a power of 0.8. The outcome of this analysis indicated a required minimum sample size of 21 individuals. This study was used a randomized, repeated measures cross-over design. Muscle activation levels during maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of each muscle (Upper trapezius, Middle trapezius, Lower trapezius, Serratus anterior) will be recorded to normalize muscle activation levels during closed kinetic chain exercises. Muscle activation levels will be evaluated with a surface electromyography device (Noraxon, Myomotion, USA).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Physically active male individuals (self-reported participating in 150 minutes per week of moderate-vigorous aerobic activity)
Being between 18-30 years old
Having full range of motion of shoulder without pain
Having a body mass index less than 30 kg\\m2.

Exclusion criteria

Having pain in any kinetic chain of the body, had history of any musculoskeletal problems or orthopaedic surgery,
Having symptoms in at least one of the screening tests (Hawkins-Kennedy, Neer, Resistant External Rotation, Jobe and Apprehension Test),
Being diagnosed with a rheumatic, systemic or neurological disease.

Treatment and study plan

Superficial Electromyography

Diagnostic Test

For all MVICs, five seconds of each repetition were included in the analysis and the maximum value of three repetitions was taken. For all exercises, the middle 3 seconds of the 5 second data collection period were included in the analysis and the average muscle activation level of the three repetitions was recorded. The average signal amplitude of each exercise was divided by the MVIC of each muscle of interest to obtain the %MVIC value.

Other names: sEMG

Primary outcomes

Muscle activation recorded with surface electromyography (sEMG) during CKC

Time frame: 2 hours for each participant

In this study, muscle activations of the Upper Trapezius (UT), Middle Trapezius (MT), Lower Trapezius (LT), and Serratus Anterior (SA) muscles during six different closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises will be investigated. The exercises include Low Plank Plus, High Plank Plus, Stir the Pot, Body Saw, Dolphin Press, and Pike Press. The average signal amplitude of each exercise will be divided by the Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) of each muscle of interest to obtain the %MVIC value. The average %MVICs will also be used for UT/MT, UT/LT, and UT/SA ratio calculations.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Hacettepe University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Electromyographic Analysis of Scapular Muscles During Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises: The Effect of Glenohumeral Joint Elevation Status on Muscle Activity

Important dates

Study start: 2022
Primary completion: 2023
Study completion: 2023
First posted: Feb 23, 2024
Registry last updated: Feb 26, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed