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Related Experiment Videos

Biceps activity during shoulder motion: an electromyographic analysis

K Yamaguchi1, K D Riew, L M Galatz

  • 1Shoulder and Elbow Service, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|March 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary
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This study found no significant biceps muscle activity during shoulder motion, even in patients with rotator cuff tears. The long head of the biceps does not actively contract to aid shoulder movement.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Biomechanics
  • Sports Medicine

Background:

  • The role of the long head of the biceps in shoulder function is debated.
  • Previous electromyography studies have not isolated shoulder-specific biceps activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the electromyographic activity of the long head of the biceps during shoulder motion.
  • To determine if the biceps contributes actively to shoulder movement, particularly in the presence of rotator cuff tears.

Main Methods:

  • Electromyography of the long head of the biceps, brachioradialis, and supraspinatus was recorded in 44 shoulders (13 with rotator cuff tears, 31 healthy).
  • Elbow flexion and forearm rotation were controlled to isolate shoulder-specific biceps activity.
  • Muscle activity was normalized as a percentage of maximal contraction during 10 shoulder movements in the scapular plane.

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Main Results:

  • Normal shoulders showed significant supraspinatus activity (20%-50% max contraction) during all motions.
  • In healthy shoulders, biceps and brachioradialis activity was insignificant (1.7%-3.6% max contraction) and lacked a patterned response.
  • In shoulders with rotator cuff tears, biceps activity remained low (1.6%-4.4% max contraction).

Conclusions:

  • No significant electromyographic activity was observed in the long head of the biceps during any shoulder motion, regardless of rotator cuff integrity.
  • The findings suggest the long head of the biceps does not actively contract to contribute to shoulder movement.
  • This study provides evidence against a primary active role for the biceps in shoulder joint stabilization or motion.