Voluntary Contraction of the Abdominal Muscles During Shoulder Exercises Increases Scapular Muscle Activation: A Critically Appraised Topic

J Sport Rehabil. 2024 Apr 24:1-5. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2023-0287. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTCLINICAL SCENARIO: The fascial relationship between scapular muscles and abdominal muscles has been documented from previous studies. However, it is not yet clear whether voluntary abdominal contraction has a beneficial effect on scapular muscle activity during shoulder exercises.CLINICAL QUESTION: Do scapulothoracic muscle activation levels increase if shoulder exercises are performed with voluntary abdominal activation? Summary of Key Finding: After the literature review, 4 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this critically appraised topic.CLINICAL BOTTOM LINE: There is moderate evidence to support dynamic shoulder exercises with voluntary abdominal contraction can increase trapezius and serratus anterior muscle activation level in asymptomatic shoulders. Strength and Recommendation: Findings from 4 cross-sectional trials indicate that there is moderate evidence supporting that dynamic shoulder exercises performed with voluntary abdominal contraction can increase scapular muscle activity.PMID:38663843 | DOI:10.1123/jsr.2023-0287
Source: Journal of Sport Rehabilitation - Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Source Type: research