Overhead Shoulder Position Versus Scapular Retraction Position to Normalize the Electromyographic Signal of the Lower Trapezius Muscle.

This study aimed to compare electromyographic response of the lower trapezius muscle during maximal voluntary isometric contractions under two conditions: overhead shoulder position versus scapular position, rating the pain after each condition. Twenty-six participants with shoulder pain (SP; n = 15; Shoulder Pain and Disability Index-Pain = 34 [range 6-66]) and without shoulder pain (nSP; n = 11; Shoulder Pain and Disability Index-Pain = 0 [range 0-14]) performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions in those 2 conditions while the lower trapezius was monitored using surface electromyography. Pain was rated using the visual analog scale.

Scapular Retraction under Adduction Load: An Alternative to Overhead Exercises to Activate Infraspinatus, Upper, and Lower Trapezius in Subjects with and without Shoulder Pain.

Exercises for lower trapezius (LT) often use overhead positions, causing compressive forces to the subacromial space. Scapular retraction would be an alternative to activate LT muscle. The present study aimed to assess the excitation levels of infraspinatus, upper trapezius, and lower trapezius muscles during a scapular retraction exercise under progressive adduction loads in subjects with and without painful shoulder.