Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
Measurement of Dynamic Scapular Kinematics Using an Acromion Marker Cluster to Minimize Skin Movement Artifact
Published on: February 10, 2015
Scapular muscle activity in overhead and nonoverhead athletes during closed chain exercises
W Steven Tucker1, Adam J Bruenger, Carrie M Doster
1Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas 72035, USA. stucker@uca.edu
Objective:
To compare scapular muscle activity in healthy overhead and nonoverhead athletes.
Design:
One between (group) and 1 within (exercise) repeated measures.
Setting:
Controlled laboratory environment.
Participants:
Fifteen overhead sport athletes (10 women and 5 men) and 15 nonoverhead sport athletes (10 women and 5 men).
Interventions:
Subjects completed 5 individual trials of a Cuff Link, standard push-up, and supine pull-up while surface electromyography (EMG) recorded muscle activity of 4 scapular muscles on the throwing dominant side. Mean EMG data were normalized to a maximum voluntary isometric contraction.
Main Outcome Measures:
Normalized mean EMG.
Results:
The upper trapezius was significantly more active (F2,56 = 70.118; P < 0.001) during supine pull-up (61.57 ± 29.67%) than during push-up (27.89 ± 16.21%) and Cuff Link (5.50 ± 2.94%). The middle trapezius was significantly more active (F2,56 = 134.192; P < 0.001) during supine pull-up (62.89 ± 24.17%) than during push-up (21.12 ± 13.10%) and Cuff Link (6.59 ± 4.81%). The lower trapezius was significantly more active (F2,56 = 41.326; P < 0.001) during supine pull-up (60.47 ± 34.80%) than during push-up (34.80 ± 30.81%) and Cuff Link (9.67 ± 4.34%). For upper trapezius, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius, the levels of activation during push-up were significantly greater compared with those during Cuff Link. The serratus anterior was significantly more active (F2,56 = 25.652; P < 0.001) during push-up (49.97 ± 18.86%) and Cuff Link (43.81 ± 19.70%) than during supine pull-up (25.52 ± 19.80%). There were no significant influences of group on muscle activation.
Conclusions:
Overhead and nonoverhead athletes elicited similar levels of muscle activation. Differences in muscle activation existed within the 3 exercises. Clinicians should consider the muscle of interest when prescribing one of these exercises.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
01:31Muscles 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...
01:26Muscles of the Anterior Neck
01:27Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
01:18Axial and Appendicular Muscles
Axial Muscles
Axial muscles, situated along the body's midline, are intricately connected to the axial skeleton, which includes the skull, spine, ribs, and sternum. These muscles facilitate facial expressions and play a...
01:19Muscles 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...