Scapular kinematics and shoulder elevation in a traditional push-up

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Science
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Scapulothoracic motion is crucial for shoulder health and function.
• Push-up variations are common in rehabilitation to improve scapular kinematics.
• Limited research exists on scapular kinematics during push-up variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how different shoulder positions affect scapular kinematics during a traditional push-up.
• To analyze scapular posterior tilt, upward rotation, and external rotation across the push-up's range of motion.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study conducted in a university laboratory.
• Sixteen healthy participants performed traditional push-ups.
• Kinematic data were collected for three shoulder positions: self-selected, adducted (at side), and elevated (90°).

Main Results:

• Elevated shoulder position showed less posterior tilt and external rotation compared to self-selected and at-side positions.
• Posterior tilt increased linearly with elbow extension in self-selected and at-side conditions.
• Upward rotation initiated lower in the at-side condition but surpassed others during elbow extension.

Conclusions:

• Elevated shoulder positions during push-ups may predispose the scapula to impingement.
• Clinicians must consider shoulder elevation when prescribing exercises and progressing rehabilitation.
• Findings offer guidance for prescribing closed-chain exercises for shoulder conditions.