Electromyographic Evaluation of Early-Stage Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercises Following Rotator Cuff Repair
# Background Electromyography (EMG) is frequently used as a guide for exercise rehabilitation progression following rotator cuff repair. Knowledge of EMG activity during passive and active-assisted exercises may help guide clinicians when considering exercise prescription in the early post-operativ...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
North American Sports Medicine Institute
2021-12-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.29513 |
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| Summary: | # Background
Electromyography (EMG) is frequently used as a guide for exercise rehabilitation progression following rotator cuff repair. Knowledge of EMG activity during passive and active-assisted exercises may help guide clinicians when considering exercise prescription in the early post-operative period.
# Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate EMG activity of the rotator cuff and deltoid musculature during passive and active-assisted shoulder range of motion (ROM) exercises commonly performed in post-operative rehabilitation.
# Study Design
Descriptive cohort laboratory study using healthy subjects.
# Methods
In sixteen active healthy volunteers, surface and fine-wire EMG activity was measured in the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and anterior, middle and posterior deltoid muscles during eight common ROM exercises. Mean %MVIC values and 95% confidence intervals were used to rank exercises from the least to the most amount of muscular activity generated during the exercises.
# Results
Standard pendulum exercises generated low levels of EMG activity in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus (≤15% MVIC), while active-assisted table slides, and the upright wall slide generated low levels of EMG activity in only the supraspinatus. No exercises were found to generate low levels of muscular activation (≤15% MVIC) in the subscapularis.
# Conclusion
This study found no clear distinctions between the EMG activity of the supraspinatus or the infraspinatus occurring during common passive and active-assisted ROM exercises. Subdividing ROM exercises based on muscle activity, may not be necessary to guide progression of exercises prior to commencing active motion after rotator cuff repair.
# Level of Evidence
Level 3b |
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| ISSN: | 2159-2896 |