Electromyographic analysis of select eccentric-focused rotator cuff exercises. (18th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fukunaga, Takumi; Orishimo, Karl F.; McHugh, Malachy P.
• Is Part Of: Physiotherapy theory and practice. Volume 38:Number 13(2022)
• Page Start: 2554
• Page End: 2562
• Publication Date: 2022-11-18
• Subjects: Eccentric exercise -- rotator cuff -- electromyography; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2021.1949767
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3985

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Eccentric-focused rotator cuff exercises are clinically useful in rehabilitation; however, to what extent these exercises activate shoulder musculature is unknown. Purpose: Investigate peak electromyographic (EMG) activity of shoulder musculature during eccentric-focused rotator cuff exercises to inform clinical decision-making. Methods: Surface EMG activity was measured in 15 healthy subjects from 5 muscles of the dominant shoulder: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and middle deltoid. Subjects performed 5 exercises: short-to-long scaption, sit-to-stand scaption, standing external rotation (ER), sidelying ER, and sidelying horizontal adduction. The effects of exercise and muscle on peak EMG activity were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and followed with post-hoc pairwise comparisons. Results: Significant exercise-by-muscle interaction effect was found ( p < .001). Short-to-long and sit-to-stand scaption elicited higher activity in supraspinatus and middle deltoid compared to other exercises ( p < .05); however, no effect of muscle was found for these exercises ( p > .05). Infraspinatus and lower trapezius demonstrated higher activity compared to other muscles during standing ER, sidelying ER, and sidelying horizontal adduction ( p < .05). Conclusion: Eccentric-focused exercises sufficiently activate the rotator cuff and is effective for use in rehabilitation. Caution must be taken as some exercises do not target specific musculature.