The Effect of Push-up Plus Exercise with Visual Biofeedback on The Activity of Shoulder Stabilizer Muscles for Winged Scapula

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of push-up plus exercise with visual biofeedback on the activity of the shoulder stabilizer muscles in individuals with winged scapula. [Subjects] This study was conducted with two groups: a visual biofeedback push-up plus exercise group (n=6) and a control push-up plus exercise group (n=6). [Methods] Muscular activity of the shoulder stabilizer muscles of both groups were measured by electromyogram (EMG), both before and after the exercise. [Results] The control group showed a significant difference pre-and post-exercise in the activity of the serratus anterior muscle during elbow extension, but differences in other muscles were insignificant. The visual feedback group showed significant differences pre-and post-exercise in activity of the upper and lower trapezius during elbow extension, in the serratus anterior muscle during elbow flexion and extension and scapula protraction, and in the pectoralis major muscle during elbow flexion. [Conclusion] Providing visual biofeedback during push-up plus exercise made the exercise more effective for winged scapula.