Electromyographic analysis of selected shoulder muscles during a series of exercises commonly used in patients with symptomatic degenerative rotator cuff tears.

Background: In the nonoperative treatment of degenerative rotator cuff (RC) tears, exercise therapy is advocated. Exercises focusing on strengthening the anterior deltoid (AD) and the scapular muscles are proposed to compensate for RC dysfunction. However, the amount of electromyographic (EMG) activity in these muscles during these exercises remains unclear.