title: Electromyographic activity of selected scapular stabilizers during glenohumeral internal and external rotation contractions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An important synergistic relationship exists between the scapular stabilizers and the glenohumeral rotators. Information on the relative contribution of the scapular stabilizers to glenohumeral rotation would be useful for exercise prescription for overhead athletes and for patients with shoulder pathology. We hypothesized that the scapular stabilizers would be highly active during both maximal and submaximal internal and external rotation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight healthy male volunteers (16 shoulders) performed internal and external glenohumeral rotation testing at maximal and submaximal intensities. They also performed a scapular retraction rowing exercise at maximal and submaximal levels. Electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from the infraspinatus, pectoralis major, serratus anterior, and middle trapezius. Values were compared among muscle groups, among individual muscles at different intensity levels, and among individual muscles at different points in the arc of motion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For submaximal glenohumeral internal rotation, activity in the scapular stabilizers was not different (P = .1-.83) from activity in the internal rotator throughout the range of motion. For the initial two-thirds of maximal internal rotation, middle trapezius activity and pectoralis major activity were higher (P < .05) than serratus anterior activity. For submaximal external rotation, activity in the scapular stabilizers during the middle phase of the motion was higher (P < .05) than activity in the external rotators. For maximal external rotation these differences were present throughout the motion with middle trapezius activity exceeding 100% maximal voluntary contraction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The scapular stabilizers functioned at a similar or higher intensity than the glenohumeral rotators during internal and external rotation. This highlights the importance of training the scapular stabilizers in upper extremity athletes and in patients with shoulder pathology.
authors: Orthopedic Health, LLC, Milford Hospital, Milford CT Simon, Cooper Union School for Advancement of Art and Science, School of Engineering, New York, NY, USA. aaronschachtermd@gmail.com
authors: Aaron K
authors: AK
authors: Schachter
authors: Malachy P
authors: MP
authors: McHugh
authors: Timothy F
authors: TF
authors: Tyler
authors: Ian J
authors: IJ
authors: Kreminic
authors: Karl F
authors: KF
authors: Orishimo
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Johnson
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Ben-Avi
authors: Stephen J
authors: SJ
authors: Nicholas
mesh_terms: D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012399:Rotation; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000502:physiology*; D012540:Scapula / Q000502:physiology*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology*