Comparison of the Middle and Lower Serratus Anterior Muscle Activities during Various Wall Push-up Plus Exercises

Abstract

[Purpose] This study compared the effects of wall push-up plus conditions on activation of the middle serratus anterior (MSA) and lower serratus anterior (LSA), and investigated which exercise selectively activated each part of the serratus anterior. [Subjects] Sixteen subjects were recruited. [Methods] Surface electrodes were placed over the middle and lower serratus anterior. The subjects performed the wall push-up plus exercise under three conditions. [Result] Condition 3 (39.9 ± 12.4%) significantly increased MSA activity compared to condition 1 (32.0 ± 16.8%). Condition 2 (40.7 ± 15.2%) significantly increased LSA activity compared to condition 1 (32.6 ± 10.5%). [Conclusion] We think that each part of the serratus anterior muscle is activated differently according to the protraction direction and surface condition during wall push-up plus exercise.