Electromyographic study of the scapular rotators during arm abduction in the scapular plane

In 20 healthy, young adult male subjects, the muscular activity of the upper, middle and lower trapezius and the lower digitations of the serratus anterior were studied electromyographically during arm abduction in the plane of the scapula. The patterns of electrical activity of the trapezius and lower serratus anterior muscles were observed to increase progressively during abduction of the arm; however, a plateau phase was demonstrated in all four of the muscle parts studied. Despite the presence of considerable individual variability, common trends were observed in muscular activity patterns. It is believed that the patterns of muscle activity may be closely related to mechanical factors such as scapulohumeral rhythm and a migrating scapular Instantaneous Centre of Rotation (ICR) during arm elevation.