Scapula kinematic alterations following a modified push-up plus task

Abstract

Scapular kinematic and muscle activity alterations have been identified in individuals with subacromial impingement syndrome of the shoulder, including workers and athletes who regularly perform overhead activities. Serratus anterior fatigue is a proposed mechanism for these kinematic alterations, although no direct evidence supports such a relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine three-dimensional scapula kinematics in asymptomatic participants before and after a task intended to preferentially fatigue serratus anterior. Twenty-eight participants completed the study. The experimental task consisted of five repetitions of scapular plane arm elevation and the fatigue task was the isometric hold of scapular protraction in the push-up position. Electromyography of four shoulder muscles was collected during the task to determine level of muscle fatigue, and the Borg CR10 scale was used to assess subjective fatigue. The fatigue task resulted in decreased median power frequency in all four muscles and significantly increased Borg scores. Scapula posterior tilting and internal rotation were most impacted by muscle fatigue, with decreased posterior tilting and increased internal rotation after the task. There was no effect on scapular upward rotation. Effect sizes were low to moderate (.13–.51) where these kinematic alterations reached statistical significance. Shoulder muscle fatigue contributes to scapular kinematic alterations and is a plausible risk factor for subacromial impingement syndrome.