Article

OBJECTIVE: To identify maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) test
positions for the deeper-lying scapulothoracic muscles (ie, levator scapulae,
pectoralis minor, rhomboid major), and to provide a standard set of a limited
number of test positions that generate an MVIC in all scapulothoracic muscles.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Physical and rehabilitation medicine
department. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy subjects (N=21). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean peak electromyographic activity from levator
scapulae, pectoralis minor, and rhomboid major (investigated with fine-wire
electromyography) and from upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius,
and serratus anterior (investigated with surface electromyography) during the
performance of 12 different MVICs. RESULTS: The results indicated that various
test positions generated similar high mean electromyographic activity and that no
single test generated maximum activity for a specific muscle in all subjects. The
results of this study support using a series of test positions for normalization
procedures rather than a single exercise to increase the likelihood of recruiting
the highest activity in the scapulothoracic muscles. CONCLUSIONS: A standard set
of 5 test positions was identified as being sufficient for generating an MVIC of
all scapulothoracic muscles: seated T, seated U 135 degrees , prone T-thumbs up,
prone V-thumbs up, and supine V-thumbs up. A standard set of test positions for
normalization of scapulothoracic electromyographic data that also incorporates
the levator scapulae, pectoralis minor, and rhomboid major muscles is 1 step
toward a more comprehensive understanding of normal and abnormal muscle function
of these muscles and will help to standardize the presentation of scapulothoracic
electromyographic muscle activity.
CI - Copyright (c) 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS