A Review of Glenohumeral Sensory and Motor Control during Overhead Arm Elevation

Abstract

This review of the glenohumeral joint provides the reader with an understanding of the dynamic stability alliances that exist between the active, passive and neuromotor control systems at during overhead arm elevation. Electromyography studies of patients with anterior shoulder instability performing overhead arm elevation into the apprehension arm position identified substitution muscle actions that concurrently regulate dynamic glenohumeral stability and retain shoulder joint mobility. Yet the temporal component of these substitution muscle actions has not been quantified. Quantifying the temporal features of glenohumeral muscle activation is important for a better understanding of the neuromotor control and more accurate estimation of joint reaction forces that occurs at the unstable shoulder joint during overhead arm elevation.