title: Electromyographic analysis of the serratus anterior and trapezius muscles during push-ups on stable and unstable bases in subjects with scapular dyskinesis.
abstract: The present study was performed to assess the electromyographic activity of the scapular muscles during push-ups on a stable and unstable surface, in subjects with scapular dyskinesis. Muscle activation (upper trapezius [UT]; lower trapezius [LT]; upper serratus anterior [SA_5th]; lower serratus anterior [SA_7th]) and ratios (UT/LT; UT/SA_5th; UT/ SA_7th) levels were determined by surface EMG in 30 asymptomatic men with scapular dyskinesis, during push-up performed on a stable and unstable surface. Multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures was used for statistical analyses. The unstable surface caused a decrease in the EMG activity of the serratus anterior and an increase in EMG activity of the trapezius (p=0.001). UT/SA_5th and UT/ SA_7th ratios were higher during unstable push-ups (p=0.001). The results suggest that, in individuals with scapular dyskinesis, there is increased EMG activity of the trapezius and decreased EMG activity of the serratus anterior in response to an unstable surface. These results suggest that the performance of the push up exercise on an unstable surface may be more favorable to produce higher levels of trapezius activation and lower levels of serratus anterior activation. However, if the goal of the exercise program is the strengthening of the SA muscle, it is suggested to perform the push up on a stable surface.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
authors.forename: André Luiz Torres
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Pirauá
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Carolina Rodarti
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Pitangui
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil.
authors.forename: Juliana Pereira
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil.
authors.forename: Muana Hiandra
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Pereira dos Passos
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil.
authors.forename: Valéria Mayaly
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Alves de Oliveira
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil.
authors.forename: Laísla da Silva Paixão
authors.initials: Lda S
authors.lastname: Batista
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Education, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Brazil. Electronic address: rodrigo.cappato@upe.br.
authors.forename: Rodrigo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cappato de Araújo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012540:Scapula / Q000502:physiology; D012782:Shoulder / Q000502:physiology; D064171:Superficial Back Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Electromyography; Exercise therapy; Serratus anterior; Trapezius