Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Measuring 3D In-vivo Shoulder Kinematics using Biplanar Videoradiography
Published on: March 12, 2021
The relationship of periscapular strength on scapular upward rotation in professional baseball pitchers
Kevin G Laudner1, Justin M Stanek, Keith Meister
1Kinesiology and Recreation Department at Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA. klaudne@ilstu.edu
Context:
Deficiencies in scapular upward rotation and periscapular strength have been associated with various shoulder pathologies and decreased athletic performance. Therefore, proper periscapular strength and concomitant scapular upward rotation are important factors among overhead athletes, such as baseball players.
Objective:
To assess the relationships between lower trapezius and serratus anterior strength and the quantity of scapular upward rotation.
Design:
Descriptive study.
Setting:
Laboratory.
Participants:
24 professional baseball pitchers.
Measures:
Scapular upward rotation was measured at 0 degrees , 60 degrees , 90 degrees , and 120 degrees of humeral elevation. The maximum isometric strength of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior were measured.
Results:
There was a moderate-good positive relationship between lower trapezius strength and scapular upward rotation at 90 degrees (r2 = .56, P = .001) and 120 degrees (r2 = .53, P = .001). The relationships between scapular upward rotation and serratus anterior strength were all poor.
Conclusion:
A moderate-good relationship existed between lower trapezius strength and scapular upward rotation.
Related Concept Videos
Muscles that Move the Arm
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
Muscles that Move the Head
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...
Motion of a Projectile
Horizontal motion, governed by the initial kick, maintains a constant velocity throughout the flight of the soccer ball.
Curves Defined by Parametric Equations
