A Comparison of Scapulothoracic and Trunk Muscle Activities among Three Variations of Knee Push-up-plus Exercises

Abstract

Abstract. [Purpose] This study compared the activations of the shoulder and trunk muscles during dominant-leg-extended knee push-up-plus (KPP) exercises on a mat, on an unstable surface, and with loading.[Subjects] Fourteen healthy subjects, all right-side dominant and with no history of injury or surgery to the shoulder or neck were the subjects.[Methods] The subjects performed dominant-legextended knee push-up-plus using three variations. Electromyography activities of the serratus anterior (SA), upper trapezius (UT), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) muscles were recorded.[Results] We observed significant differences in SA activity among the exercise conditions. Dominantleg-extended KPP on a stable surface produced the highest SA muscle activity. Dominant-leg-extended KPP using a wobble board produced the highest EO and IO muscle activity. [Conclusion] To apply the proper resistance to enhance selective SA muscle activity in KPP, the best technique is to raise the ipsilateral leg. Furthermore, KPP on an unstable surface can facilitate lumbar stabilization.

Serratus Anterior and Upper Trapezius Electromyographic Analysis of the Push-Up Plus Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Twelve articles focused on the effects of the base of support during PUP exercises. 9,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]51,52 After further checking for the meta-analysis, 1 article was excluded due to insufficient data for the means and standard deviations. 51 Therefore, 11 articles were included in this meta-analysis for analyzing the differences in SA and UT muscle activity during the PUP performed on stable and unstable surfaces.…”

“…Lee et al 16 reported larger SA EMG activity during the PUP exercise with the shoulder externally rotated than with it in neutral or internally rotated. Kim et al 17 found that SA activity during the PUP exercise was higher when the ipsilateral lower extremity was raised than when the base of support (stable or unstable surface) was changed. Furthermore, performing the PUP exercise on an unstable surface would only challenge the external oblique and internal oblique muscles, which could facilitate lumbar stabilization.…”

“…[12][13][14] After finding that the standard PUP (SPP) and knee PUP exercises induced the highest SA and lowest UT : SA EMG measures, Ludewig et al 8 recommended these exercises for selective SA strengthening. Researchers 5,9,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] have investigated whether the PUP exercise performed on different unstable bases stimulated mechanoreceptors and increased SA EMG activity, thereby enhancing shoulder-joint stabilization. The use of unstable or stable surfaces during the PUP exercise is under debate.…”

Efeito da instrução para ativação consciente dos músculos do abdômen sobre a ativação dos músculos escapulotorácicos

“…Diferentes autores demostraram a relação entre ambos os grupos musculares, comprovando a possível existência de uma relação sinérgica (Jang;Oh, 2015;Choi;Yoo, 2011;Maenhout et al, 2010;Nagai et al, 2013).…”

“…Assim, quando a inserção proximal do músculo serrátil anterior se encontra relativamente mais fixa, a tensão criada pela sua contração concêntrica, que movimenta a escápula contra o tórax, é favorecida. Nagai et al (2013) (Cools et al, 2003;Cricchio;Frazer, 2011;Decker et al, 1999;Ekstrom;Donatelli;Soderberg, 2003;Kibler et al, 2008;Escamilla;Wilk, 2009 Choi;Yoo, 2011;Ludewig et al, 2004;Maenhout et al, 2010 (Luca, 1985). Dessa forma, quando realizados os exercícios isométricos o efeito da ativação da musculatura abdominal foi menor sobre o músculo trapézio devido a seu menor recrutamento quanto comparado com o músculo serrátil anterior que foi ativado para manter a posição da escápula sobre o tórax.…”