Affiliations: [a] Graduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance (PPGRDF), University of Pernambuco (UPE-Campus Petrolina), Petrolina-PE, Brazil | [b] Associated Graduate Program in Physical Education UPE/UFPB, University of Pernambuco, Recife-PE, Brazil | [c] Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, PE, Brazil
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Gabriel de Amorim Batista, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Saúde e Desempenho Funcional (LABSED), Arnóbio Marquês, 310, Santo Amaro, Recife, 50100130, PE, Brazil. Tel./Fax: +55 81 31833354; E-mail: gabriel.amorimbatista@upe.br.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Scapular dyskinesis (SD) is a modification of the positioning and movement of the scapula and is associated with shoulder pain. Exercises to strengthen the shoulder and scapular muscles have been proposed as a therapeutic strategy to reduce pain and improve function. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the electromyographic activity of the periscapular and trunk muscles in individuals with shoulder pain and SD in different multi-joint exercises. METHODS: Thirty-two subjects with subacromial pain, of both sexes, with the presence or absence of SD, participated in this study. Volunteers performed five repetitions in five exercises (Closed Row; Pronated Row; Push-up; Scapular Push-up; T-push-up). The activity of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles was recorded using electromyography. RESULTS: Our results showed a decrease in the electromyographic activity of the serratus anterior and external oblique during the T-push-up exercise in individuals with shoulder pain and SD. No differences were observed between groups for the trapezius and the rectus abdominis. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation programs may initially prioritize rowing and push-up exercises to strengthen periscapular muscles. More complex exercises with greater mechanical demand on the kinetic chain, such as the T-push-up, may have to be implemented in later phases.
