Analysis of cervical and shoulder neuromuscular activity during adapted swimming with and without a snorkel: Implications for rehabilitation

Abstract

Summary Objective Compare the activation of the cervical and shoulder muscles in the execution of adapted swimming with and without a snorkel. Methods and subjects This study uses cross-sectional, analytical inference analysis. We studied the musculature of the right shoulder and cervical spine of 16 healthy participants. We examined seven muscles with surface electromyography including the cervical erector spinae, trapezius, infraspinatus, pectoralis, anterior deltoid, middle deltoid and latissimus dorsi. Each participant was measured in five complete cycles of adapted swimming. Results There was significantly more activity in the infraspinatus muscle (increased by 18%, P = .020) and significantly less activity in the cervical erector spinae muscle (decreased by 27%, P = .050) when using a snorkel compared to not using a snorkel. Conclusion Using a snorkel during adapted swimming produces changes in the level of muscle activation in the shoulder and neck. An increase in infraspinatus and a decrease in cervical erector spinae activity due to reduced head movement and an absence of significant cervical rotation when using a snorkel may lead to increased resistance and work for the shoulder. Finally, the metacentric effect on the arm decreases because the arm does not come out of the water.