Muscular synergy in the shoulder during a fatiguing static contraction

The synergic operation of shoulder muscles during a fatiguing submaximal arm flexion task was studied using both a biomechanical 3-dimensional shoulder model and electromyographic recordings. A new optimization scheme aiming to maximize the task endurance time by constantly regulating the force output of each muscle is utilized in the model. The method can be used to simulate the muscle rotation phenomenon, which has been proposed to occur during an endurance type contraction. The model predictions on the fatigue order of the shoulder muscles were compared to results derived using the median frequencies of the electromyographic signals from nine muscles or muscle parts. In the test performed 10 men held until exhaustion a weight (4 kg) suspended on the wrist with the arm in horizontal flexion. The deltoid, infraspinatus, and supraspinatus muscles were the first to show electromyographic signs of fatigue. The times for detecting electromyographic changes in the trapezius muscle were longer than those in the muscles first showing electromyographic signs of fatigue. The biomechanical model used predicted the upper and lower infraspinatus and the anterior part of the deltoid to be the first to show signs of fatigue during the flexion task. The predictions of the biomechanical model on the order of fatigue of the nine shoulder muscles monitored also using electromyographic recordings corresponded to the electromyographic results. However, the accuracy of this comparison is limited by the fact that the electromyographic recordings did not cover all the muscles used in the model. No clear order was found for the development of electromyographic signs of muscle fatigue. RELEVANCE--:The biomechanical model and the developed optimization methods provide new tools for studying the synergic operation of shoulder muscles during fatiguing contractions. Our results will help in analysing and optimizing shoulder load in problematic functions both of work and leisure activities.