The Activation of Serratus Anterior Muscle During the Plank Exercise

NCT06606405 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 69869
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 29
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Scapular dyskinesia is a condition characterized by changes in the resting position or movement of the scapula, which can impair shoulder function. Issues such as increased glenohumeral angle, reduced rotator cuff strength, and decreased subacromial space are commonly observed in athletes and sedentary individuals. Scapular muscle imbalances, particularly in the serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscles, are key contributors to dyskinesia. Studies show decreased EMG activity in these muscles among sedentary individuals, while increased activity is noted in overhead athletes. The relationship between serratus anterior activity and shoulder external rotation strength varies, highlighting the importance of strengthening scapular muscles to prevent injury in athletes. The core, including the spine, hips, pelvis, and abdomen, provides stability and transfers forces throughout the body. Core and scapular stability are interrelated, and impairment in scapular stability can weaken core strength, increasing the risk of injury. Therefore, exercises targeting both the core and scapular muscles are vital in athletic training programs. The plank exercise, which minimizes spinal load and promotes strength, is preferred for enhancing both core and scapular endurance. However, improper form, especially due to weak stabilizer muscles, can lead to compensations that increase injury risk, such as long thoracic nerve injury. Although studies exist on serratus anterior activity during plank exercises, there is limited research on its activation in athletes with scapular dyskinesia.

Conditions

Scapular Dyskinesis

Keywords

scapular dyskinesis; plank exercise; serratus anterior; shoulder rotator strength; athlete

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Surface EMG

  A NeuroTrac Myoplus Pro (Quintet, Bergen, Norway) EMG device will be used for surface electromyography analysis of the serratus anterior. Disposable 30 x 30 mm round adhesive electrodes will be placed on the dominant side at the 7th intercostal space and at the level of the xiphoid process, while the reference electrode will be positioned on the sternal notch of the sternum. To minimize the negative effects of possible skin movement during the plank exercises, electrodes will be applied while the participant is seated with the trunk in a neutral position and arms flexed at 90 degrees (Januario, Cid, Zanca, Mattiello, \& Oliveira, 2022; Konrad, 2005). Participants will perform front plank, prone plank, and side plank exercises for 30 seconds each. Parameters related to muscle strength, total work, and resting tone will be displayed on the device in microvolts, and maximal voluntary contraction will recorded as a percentage.

  baseline

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Core Strength

  baseline

• Shoulder rotator strength

  baseline

Study Arms (2)

Scapular Dyskinesis Group

adolescent volleyball players with scapular dyskinesis

Diagnostic Test: scapular dyskinesis test

Control Group

adolescent volleyball players without scapular dyskinesis

Diagnostic Test: scapular dyskinesis test

Interventions

scapular dyskinesis test DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Scapular dyskinesia in athletes will be visually evaluated. It will be considered present if, during 3 out of 5 arm elevation attempts, any of the following are observed: prominence of the medial or upper scapular border, lower scapular angle, excessive clavicular elevation, or rapid downward rotation of the scapula. After the tester demonstrates the required movements, the athletes will practice the movement. The test will begin with the arms at the sides of the body, elbows straight, and shoulders in neutral rotation. Two testers will observe from behind and video record the movements. Participants will be instructed to raise their arms as high as possible simultaneously, using the \'thumbs up\' position, and to maintain this position for 3 seconds before lowering their arms for another 3 seconds. Athletes will perform the arm elevation with a dumbbell weight calculated as 1.4% of their body weight (Kamonseki, Haik, Ribeiro, Almeida, \& Camargo, 2023).

Control Group; Scapular Dyskinesis Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 13 Years - 18 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

adolescent athlete

You may qualify if:

• Female athletes aged 13-18 years.

You may not qualify if:

• Shoulder pain severe enough to interfere with activity in the past 3 months.
• History of shoulder surgery or fractures.
• Recent acute orthopedic injuries to the lower extremities, upper extremities, or lower back.
• History of any neurological or systemic diseases.
• Significant spinal deformities, such as scoliosis.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Berivan Beril Kılıç: lead

Study Sites (1)

Biruni University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (26)

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Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Asst. Prof.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 18, 2024
• First Posted: September 23, 2024
• Study Start: October 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2024
• Study Completion: January 4, 2025
• Last Updated: January 7, 2025

Record last verified: 2024-11

Locations

TU (1)