Influence of Body Position on Shoulder and Trunk Muscle Activation During Resisted Isometric Shoulder External Rotation.

BACKGROUND: External rotation (ER) strengthening of the shoulder is an integral component of rehabilitative and preventative programs for overhead athletes. A variety of shoulder ER strengthening exercises are reported, including those intended to integrate the core musculature. The purpose of this study was to examine ER torque and electromyographic (EMG) activation of shoulder and trunk muscles while performing resisted isometric shoulder ER in 3 positions (standing, side lying, and side plank).

HYPOTHESIS: Significantly greater force and shoulder muscle activation would be generated while side lying given the inherent stability of the position, and greater trunk muscle activation would be generated in the less stable plank position.

STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental repeated-measures study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5.

METHODS: A convenience sample of 25 healthy overhead recreational athletes (9 men, 16 women) participated in this study. EMG electrodes were placed on the infraspinatus, posterior deltoid, middle trapezius, multifidi, internal obliques, and external obliques. EMG signals were normalized to a maximal isometric contraction. Participants performed resisted isometric ER in standing, side-lying, and side plank positions. Results were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni corrections (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in ER torque between positions (α = 0.05). A significant difference in EMG activity of shoulder and trunk musculature between positions was found in 7 of the 8 muscles monitored. Significantly greater EMG activity in the infraspinatus, middle trapezius, and the nondominant external and internal obliques was found in the side plank position as compared with standing and side lying.

CONCLUSION: While there was no difference in ER torque between the 3 exercise positions, EMG activity of the shoulder and trunk muscles was dependent on body position.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If a clinician is seeking to integrate trunk muscle activation while performing shoulder ER strengthening, the side plank position is preferred as compared with standing or side lying.