Outcomes of the lower trapezius muscle activities during various narrow-base push-up exercises

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Kim, Min-Hee | Yoo, Won-Gyu^*

Affiliations: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Healthcare Medical Science and Engineering, Inje University, Korea

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Won-Gyu Yoo, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Healthcare Medical Science and Engineering, Inje University, 197 Inje-ro, Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do 621-749, Korea. Tel.: +82 55 320 3994; E-mail: won7y@inje.ac.kr.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In clinics, training of the lower trapezius muscle for the rehabilitation of the shoulder is often applied. The narrow-base push-up exercise is considered suitable training of the proximal shoulder complex, but the effect on the lower trapezius muscle has not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of push-up, push-up plus, and support surfaces on the lower trapezius muscle during the narrow-base push-up exercise. METHODS: A total of 11 males participated in this study. Surface electromyographic response of the lower trapezius muscle was examined during the narrow-base push-up exercise. RESULTS: The lower trapezius muscle activity increased significantly in both the stable and the unstable conditions during the narrow-base push-up phase compared with both conditions during the narrow-base push-up plus phase. CONCLUSIONS: The narrow-base push-up is considered a suitable exercise for strengthening the lower trapezius muscle regardless of support surfaces.

Keywords: Electromyography, narrow-base push-up exercise, trapezius muscle

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-170942

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 399-402, 2019