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Voluntary Abdominal Contraction During Prone Scapular Retraction Exercises
Kubra Caylan Gurses1, Ozgun Uysal2, Irem Duzgun1
1Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Journal of Athletic Training
|April 6, 2026
Summary
Voluntary abdominal contraction (VAC) minimally impacts scapular muscle activation during prone scapular retraction exercises (SREs). This suggests VAC may not be essential for enhancing neuromuscular control in shoulder rehabilitation programs.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Scapular retraction exercises (SREs) show greater trapezius activation in prone vs. standing positions, potentially due to gravity.
- The prone position may compromise lumbopelvic stability, affecting scapular muscle function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine scapulothoracic muscle activation during prone SREs.
- To assess the effect of voluntary abdominal contraction (VAC) on muscle activation while maintaining lumbopelvic stability.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive laboratory study involving 30 healthy, physically active participants.
- Surface electromyography recorded upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior (SA) activity during SREs in four arm positions (0-120° abduction) with and without VAC.
Main Results:
- Muscle activation varied with arm position and VAC. Upper trapezius and SA activation were generally low.
- Lower trapezius activation showed sensitivity to VAC, with mixed effects across exercise phases and abduction angles.
- VAC demonstrated minimal influence on overall scapular stabilizing muscle activation.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary abdominal contraction has a negligible effect on scapulothoracic muscle activation during prone SREs.
- VAC may not be a critical component for optimizing neuromuscular control in shoulder rehabilitation settings.
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