title: The effects of cervical stabilization exercises on the electromyographic activity of shoulder stabilizers.
abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of cervical stabilization exercises on the electromyographic activity of the shoulder stabilizers in normal adults. [Subjects] In the present study, 20 normal adults were divided into an experimental group (EG, n=10) that performed cervical stabilization exercises and shoulder stabilization exercises and a control group (CG, n=10) that performed shoulder stabilization exercises. [Methods] The EG and CG performed their exercises three times per week for four weeks. The cervical stabilization exercises consisted of Craniocervical flexion exercises (CCFEs) that were performed using pressure biofeedback units (PBUs). The shoulder stabilization exercises consisted of scapula-setting exercises, wall stretching, and external rotation exercises. To examine the electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius (UT) muscle, lower trapezius (LT) muscle, and serratus anterior (SA) muscle, the electromyograms for these muscles were compared and analyzed. [Results] In comparisons within the groups, the EG showed statistically significant differences in the UT, the LT and the SA. The CG did not show any significant differences. [Conclusion] Cervical stabilization exercises and shoulder stabilization exercises are considered to be an effective intervention for the electromyographic activity of the shoulder stabilizers, the UT, LT, and SA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Youngdong University: 12 Yeongdong-eup, Yeongdong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 370-701, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Sangyong
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Youngdong University: 12 Yeongdong-eup, Yeongdong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 370-701, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jungseo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Youngdong University: 12 Yeongdong-eup, Yeongdong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 370-701, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Daehee
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Cervical stabilization; Electromyographic activity; Stabilizer