Scapular Stabilizer Activity during Bodyblade®, Cuff Weights, and Thera-Band® Use

Abstract

CONTEXT: There are numerous ways to overload the scapular stabilizers. OBJECTIVES: To assess scapular stabilizer activity using the Bodyblade and other traditional training devices. DESIGN: Repeated measures analysis of surface EMG data collected from the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) during shoulder flexion and abduction using Bodyblade, cuff weight, and Thera-Band resistance. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty collegiate athletes (20.0 +/- 1.7 years). INTERVENTION: Participants performed 10 repetitions of shoulder flexion and abduction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: For each movement, normalized root mean square values (NrmsEMG) were computed for each muscle during each repetition under each training condition. Data were analyzed using 3 (condition) 3 10 (repetition) repeated measures ANOVAs. RESULTS: During shoulder flexion and abduction, the NrmsEMG of the UT, LT, and SA were significantly greater when using the Bodyblade than the Thera-Band or cuff weight. CONCLUSION: The Bodyblade produces greater scapular activity than traditional resistance techniques.