title: An electromyographical analysis of the scapular stabilizing synergists during a push-up progression.
abstract: Current literature recommends incorporating push-up progressions into upper extremity rehabilitation for advanced training of the scapular stabilizers. No documentation exists to demonstrate changes in the level of muscle activation when push-up progressions are performed. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of difficulty level for push-ups on electrical activity of the scapular stabilizing synergists. Sixteen subjects performed five repetitions for each of the three conditions in a push-up progression. Electromyographic data collected on the serratus anterior, upper trapezius, and lower trapezius revealed a statistically significant interaction effect between the serratus anterior and upper trapezius and push-up condition when the feet were elevated. No significant interaction was found between push-up condition and the lower trapezius. This study supports the clinical use of push-up progressions to facilitate activation of the serratus anterior and the upper trapezius during upper extremity rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Rehability Center, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Lear
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Gross
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004576:Electromyography; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012540:Scapula / Q000293:injuries*; D016474:Weight-Bearing