Outcomes of the lower trapezius muscle activities during various narrow-base push-up exercises

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In clinics, training of the lower trapezius muscle for the rehabilitation of the shoulder is often applied. The narrow-base push-up exercise is considered suitable training of the proximal shoulder complex, but the effect on the lower trapezius muscle has not yet been investigated.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of push-up, push-up plus, and support surfaces on the lower trapezius muscle during the narrow-base push-up exercise.

METHODS:

A total of 11 males participated in this study. Surface electromyographic response of the lower trapezius muscle was examined during the narrow-base push-up exercise.

RESULTS:

The lower trapezius muscle activity increased significantly in both the stable and the unstable conditions during the narrow-base push-up phase compared with both conditions during the narrow-base push-up plus phase.

CONCLUSIONS:

The narrow-base push-up is considered a suitable exercise for strengthening the lower trapezius muscle regardless of support surfaces.