Abstract

Objective. The objective of this study was to measure abduction moment arms of the supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus, and deltoid (anterior, middle, and posterior portions) muscles during humeral elevation in the scapular plane (abduction). Design. Moment arms were measured by conducting an in vitro experiment. Background. The moment arm of a muscle represents its mechanical advantage, which is an important determinant of muscle function. Methods. Measurements were made on 10 fresh frozen cadaveric specimens. Tendon excursions were measured as the humerus was elevated in the plane of the scapula. The principle of virtual work was used to estimate the muscle moment arm of each muscle by computing the slope of the tendon excursion versus joint angle relationship. Results. Moment arms were affected by joint angle in a non-linear fashion. The anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, subscapularis, and infraspinatus muscles had abduction moment arms throughout most of the range of motion studied. The posterior deltoid had an adduction moment arm. Internal and external humeral rotation affected the elevation moment arms of all six muscles. Conclusions. Abduction moment arm magnitudes of the muscles studies vary throughout the arc of elevation. This study was limited by considering broad muscles to have a single line of action.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.