Influence of Pectoralis Minor Stretching with Lower Trapezius Taping on Trapezius Muscle Activity during Y-Raise Exercise

Background The Y-raise exercise (Y) is known as an effective intervention for increasing lower trapezius (LT) muscle activation. Interventions such as pectoralis minor (PM) stretching might improve scapular alignment, while therapeutic taping might influence muscle activity and shoulder posture. However, the combined effect of these interventions on trapezius muscle activity during the Y-raise exercise has not been fully investigated. Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle activity of the upper trapezius (UT) and LT, as well as the LT/UT activity ratio, between a standard Y and a Y-raise performed with LT taping after pec minor stretching (YLTPS) in healthy individuals. Study design Cross-sectional study Methods Fifteen healthy individuals participated in this study. UT, LT, and serratus anterior activities were measured using surface electromyography during the Y and the YLTPS. A paired t-test was used to compare the muscle activities. The significance level was set at α = 0.05. Results Compared to the Y, the YLTPS condition showed significantly lower UT activity, higher LT activity, and a greater LT/UT muscle activity ratio (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in SA activity between the conditions (p>0.05). Conclusions The YLTPS might be recommended to selectively enhance LT activation and improve the LT/UT activity ratio in healthy subjects.