Shoulder- and back-muscle activation during shoulder abduction and flexion using a Bodyblade Pro versus dumbbells.
BACKGROUND
The Bodyblade Pro is used for shoulder rehabilitation after injury. Resistance is provided by blade Oscillations-faster oscillations or higher speeds correspond to greater resistance. However, research supporting the Bodyblade Pro's use is scarce, particularly in comparison with dumbbell training.


OBJECTIVE
To compare muscle activity, using electromyography (EMG), in the back and shoulder regions during shoulder exercises with the Bodyblade Pro vs dumbbells.


METHODS
Randomized crossover study.


METHODS
San Diego State University biomechanics laboratory.


METHODS
11 healthy male subjects age 19-32 y.


METHODS
Subjects performed shoulder-flexion and -abduction exercises using a Bodyblade Pro and dumbbells (5, 8, and 10 lb) while EMG recorded activity of the deltoid, pectoralis major, infraspinatus, serratus anterior, and erector spinae.


METHODS
Average peak muscle activity (% maximum voluntary isometric contraction) was separately measured for shoulder abduction and flexion in the range of 85° to 95°. Differences among exercise devices were separately analyzed for the flexed and abducted positions using 1-way repeated-measures ANOVA.


RESULTS
The Bodyblade Pro produced greater muscle activity than all the dumbbell trials. Differences were significant for all muscles measured (all P < .01) except for the erector spinae during shoulder flexion with a 10-lb dumbbell. EMG activity for the Bodyblade Pro exceeded 50% of the MVIC during both shoulder flexion and abduction. For the dumbbell conditions, only the 10-lb trials approached this effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Using a Bodyblade during shoulder exercises results in greater shoulder- and back-muscle recruitment than dumbbells. The Bodyblade Pro can activate multiple muscles in a single exercise and thereby minimize the need for multiple dumbbell exercises. The Bodyblade Pro is an effective device for shoulder- and back-muscle activation that warrants further use by clinicians interested in its use for rehabilitation.
Dept of Athletics-Sports Medicine, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
Joseph S
JS
Parry
Rachel
R
Straub
Daniel J
DJ
Cipriani
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004576:Electromyography; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult