Neural Drive and Motor Unit Characteristics of the Serratus Anterior in Individuals With Scapular Dyskinesis

Scapular dyskinesis is one of the causes of shoulder disorders and involves muscle weakness in the serratus anterior. This study investigated whether motor unit (MU) recruitment and firing property, which are important for muscle exertion, have altered in serratus anterior of the individuals with scapular dyskinesis.

Asymptomatic adults with (SD) and without (control) scapular dyskinesis were analyzed. Surface electromyography (sEMG) waveforms were collected at submaximal voluntary contraction of the serratus anterior. The sEMG waveform was decomposed into MU action potential amplitude (MUAP_AMP), mean firing rate (MFR), and recruitment threshold. MUs were divided into low, moderate, and high thresholds, and MU recruitment and firing properties of the groups were compared.

High-threshold MUAP_AMP was significantly smaller in the SD group than in the control group. The control group also exhibited recruitment properties that reflected the size principle, however, the SD group did not. Furthermore, the SD group had a lower MFR than the control group.

Individuals with scapular dyskinesis exhibit altered MU recruitment properties and lower firing rates of the serratus anterior; this may be detrimental to muscle performance. Thus, it may be necessary to improve the neural drive of the serratus anterior when correcting scapular dyskinesis.