Comparison of Electromyographic Activity of the Lower and Upper Trapezius during Different Strengthening Exercises

Comparison of Electromyographic Activity of the Lower and Upper Trapezius during Different Strengthening Exercises

Background Force imbalances of the upper trapezius (UT) and lower trapezius (LT) can occur abnormal scapular motion. Purpose To investigate the most effective intervention of specifically activating the LT muscle while decreasing UT muscle activity by comparing the muscle activity generated during four different exercises. Study design Cross-sectional study Methods 15 healthy male were recruited for this study. Surface electromyographic data were recorded from the upper trapezius and lower trapezius muscle of the dominant side while performing four different exercises: modified prone cobra, prone V-raise, wall slide exercise, and backward rocking diagonal arm lift. The results were analyzed using one-way repeated ANOVA. Results The LT and UT muscle activities and LT/UT ratio were significantly different among the four exercises (p<0.05). LT muscle activity was greatest during the backward rocking diagonal arm lift and not significantly different from that during the prone V-raise (p>0.05). The LT/UT ratio was also greatest during the backward rocking diagonal arm lift and was not significantly different from that during the modified prone cobra (p>0.05). The UT muscle activity was signifi¬cantly lower during the modified prone cobra than during the other exercises (p<0.001), followed by the backward rocking diagonal arm lift. Conclusions The backward rocking diagonal arm lift should be considered effective as a exercise for the LT muscle while decreasing UT muscle activity. A scapular posterior tilt should be confirmed during exercise testing.