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) × 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.