The immediate effects of a shoulder brace on muscle activity and scapular kinematics in subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome and rounded shoulder posture: A randomized crossover design
Journal
Gait and Posture
Journal Volume
79
Pages
162-169
Date Issued
2020
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: Round shoulder posture (RSP) is one of the potential risks for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) due to alignment deviation of the scapula. Evidence on how the characteristics of a shoulder brace affecting the degree of RSP, shoulder kinematics, and associated muscle activity during movements is limited. Research question: The purposes of this study were (1) to compare the effects of a shoulder brace on clinical RSP measurements, muscle activities and scapular kinematics during arm movements in subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) and RSP; and (2) to compare the effects of two configurations (parallel and diagonal) and two tensions (comfortable and forced tension) of the brace straps on muscle activities and scapular kinematics during arm movements in subjects with SIS and RSP. Methods: Twenty-four participants (12 males; 12 females) with SIS and RSP were randomly assigned into 2 groups (comfortable then forced, and forced then comfortable) with 2 strap configurations in each tension condition. The pectoralis minor index (PMI), acromial distance (AD) and shoulder angle (SA) were used to assess the degree of RSP. Three-dimensional electromagnetic motion analysis and electromyography were used to record the scapular kinematics and muscle activity during arm movements. Results: All clinical measurements with the brace were significantly improved (p < 0.05). Under forced tension, muscle activities were higher with the diagonal configuration than with the parallel configuration in the lower trapezius (LT) (1.2–2.3% MVIC, p < 0.05) and serratus anterior (SA) (2.3% MVIC, p = 0.015). For upward rotation and posterior tilting of the scapula, the diagonal configuration was larger than the parallel configuration (1.5°, p = 0.038; 0.4°–0.5°, p < 0.05, respectively). Significance: Different characteristics of the straps of the shoulder brace could alter muscle activity and scapular kinematics at different angles during arm movement. Based on the clinical treatment preference, the application of a shoulder brace with a diagonal configuration and forced tension is suggested for SIS and RSP subjects. ? 2020 Elsevier B.V.
SDGs
Other Subjects
abduction; adult; arm movement; Article; clinical article; controlled study; electric potential; electromyography; female; human; joint mobility; kinematics; male; muscle contraction; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; rotation; rounded shoulder posture; scapula; shoulder disease; shoulder impingement syndrome; spinous process; tension; trapezius muscle; visual analog scale; biomechanics; body position; brace; crossover procedure; joint characteristics and functions; pathophysiology; physiology; scapula; shoulder; shoulder impingement syndrome; skeletal muscle; Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Braces; Cross-Over Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Muscle, Skeletal; Posture; Range of Motion, Articular; Scapula; Shoulder; Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Type
journal article