The findings suggest that the acetabular labrum continues to function to resist femoral head translation despite chondral-labral separation and that labral preservation, particularly with larger tears, may be important for maintaining hip stability. Further studies are needed to determine the effect of partial labral excision on the stability ratio with the hip in provocative positions such as extension, external rotation, and abduction.

Study Design Prospective, single-group, repeated-measures design. Objectives To evaluate electromyographic (EMG) signal amplitude in the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and deltoid muscles during pendulum exercises and light activities in a group of healthy subjects. Background There are numerous rehabilitation protocols used after rotator cuff repair. One of the most commonly used exercises in these protocols is the pendulum. Patients can easily perform these exercises incorrectly, and may also perform light activities of daily living without knowing that they may be putting excessive stress on the repair. The effect of improperly performed pendulum exercises and light activities after rotator cuff repair is unknown. Methods Muscle activity was recorded in 13 subjects performing pendulum exercises incorrectly and correctly in both large (51-cm) and small (20-cm) diameters, and while typing, drinking, and brushing their teeth. Results Incorrect and correct large pendulums and drinking elicited more than 15% maximum voluntary isometric contraction in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. The supraspinatus EMG signal amplitude was greater during large, incorrectly performed pendulums than during those performed correctly. Both correct and incorrect large pendulums resulted in statistically higher muscle activity in the supraspinatus than the small pendulums. Conclusion Larger pendulums may require more force than is desirable early in rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(4):230–237. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3095

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The results have implications for the development of appropriate rehabilitation protocols after ulnar collateral ligament reconstructive surgery.