Context

Scapular-retraction exercises are often prescribed to enhance scapular stabilization.

Objective

To investigate upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), and lower trapezius (LT) activities and UT/MT and UT/LT ratios during scapular-retraction exercises with elastic resistance at different shoulder-abduction angles.

Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting

Biomechanical analysis laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

Thirty-five asymptomatic individuals.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Surface electromyography was used to evaluate UT, MT, and LT activities during the scapular-retraction exercise at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 120° of shoulder abduction.

Results

The mean muscle activity ranged from 15.8% to 54.7% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) for UT, 30.5% to 51.6% MVIC for MT, and 21.4% to 25.5% MVIC for LT. A significant muscle × angle interaction was found (P < .001). Post hoc analysis revealed that the MT was more activated than the UT and LT during both retraction at 0° (P < .001 and P = .01, respectively) and 120° (P = .03 and P = .002, respectively). During retraction at 45° and 90°, the LT generated less activity than the UT (P = .02 and P = .03, respectively) and MT (P < .001 and P = .002, respectively). Further, UT/MT and UT/LT ratios during retraction at 0° were lower than at 45° (P = .03 and P = .001, respectively) and 90° (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). Retraction at 90° resulted in a higher UT/LT ratio than at 45° (P = .004) and 120° (P = .004).

Conclusions

Due to less UT relative to MT activity, retraction at 0°, 45°, and 120° can be preferable in early shoulder training or rehabilitation. Additionally, retraction at 90° was the most effective exercise in activating all parts of the trapezius muscle.

Key Points
  • Retraction at different abduction angles with elastic resistance elicited moderate trapezius activity.

  • Generally, activity of the parts of the trapezius increased as the shoulder angle increased.

  • The smallest upper/middle and upper/lower trapezius ratios were observed at 0° of retraction.

The trapezius muscle, with its 3 distinct parts, plays an important role in scapular stabilization.1  Notably, scapular stabilization is vital for accurate and effective glenohumeral-joint movements during overhead activities.2  During glenohumeral elevation, the scapula rotates upwardly and externally and tilts posteriorly.3  These scapular movements occur via coordinated activation of the serratus anterior, upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), and lower trapezius (LT) muscles. Alterations in the activity of the parts of the trapezius muscle, such as excessive activation of the UT combined with decreased activation of the LT and MT, result in reduced scapular upward rotation, increased internal rotation, and anterior tilt.1,46  These kinematic alterations may reduce the subacromial space and place excessive loads on the rotator cuff muscles as the arm elevates.1  Previous investigators46  have shown that postural, kinematic, and muscle-activity changes were all linked to symptoms of shoulder disorders.

Scapular-retraction exercises are often prescribed in both the prevention and treatment of shoulder injuries.79  Some researchers found that scapular protraction narrowed the subacromial space, which may be linked to subacromial impingement syndrome1012  and poor scapulothoracic muscle-activation ratios.10,13,14  Conversely, scapular retraction is thought to minimize the anterior tilt and internal rotation of the scapula,8  maintaining the subacromial space during shoulder elevation.10,12,15  The retracted scapula also serves as a stable base for the rotator cuff muscles and improves their force generation and stabilization function.2,16  One of the most important points to consider when applying scapular-retraction exercises is to keep the UT/MT and UT/LT muscle-activation ratios at low levels.7  Individuals with prominence of the medial scapular border may benefit from incorporation of MT-enhanced exercises in their training programs. Individuals with either excessive scapular internal rotation–anterior tilt or reduced scapular upward rotation may benefit from LT-enhanced exercises.1 

In previous studies,8,14,1719  the scapular-retraction exercises were performed in predominantly prone positions, and some authors2022  also compared trapezius muscle-activation levels among different retraction exercises performed in prone, sitting, and standing positions. Scapular retraction in an upright standing position is more functional as it provides core activation as well as lower extremity muscle activation compared with the prone and sitting positions. The shoulder-abduction angle is often modified during scapular-retraction exercise, especially to produce lower UT/MT and UT/LT ratios. However, how the shoulder-abduction angle affects the activity of the trapezius muscle parts during scapular retraction in a standing position is unknown. Contraction of the scapular retractors in different shoulder-abduction angles while standing may alter the length–tension relationship of the muscles, resulting in variable activation of the parts of the trapezius muscle. Therefore, our first purpose was to investigate UT, MT, and LT activation levels during scapular-retraction exercise with elastic resistance at different abduction angles in asymptomatic individuals. Elastic resistance was chosen because the exercises could be performed slowly and in a controlled manner.20  Our second purpose was to compare UT, MT, and LT activation levels and UT/MT and UT/LT activation ratios during scapular retraction at each abduction angle. This information would enhance the existing knowledge about trapezius-activation patterns and guide practitioners in selecting appropriate exercises for their patients. We hypothesized that higher shoulder-abduction angles would lead to increased activation of all parts of the trapezius and increased UT/MT and UT/LT activation ratios during scapular-retraction exercises.

Participants

Thirty-five asymptomatic individuals (17 men, 18 women; age = 28.9 ± 7.5 years, height = 171.3 ± 8.2 cm, body mass index = 23.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2) participated in this investigation. Individuals were included if they were between 18 and 40 years of age, had no complaints of shoulder pain or instability, had no history of surgery of the shoulder or surrounding region, or had no history of systemic or neurologic diseases. Before enrollment in the investigation, all individuals gave written informed consent. This study was approved by the Hacettepe University Institutional Review Board.

Procedures

An 8-channel surface electromyography system (Telemyo DTS System; Noraxon) was used to measure UT, MT, and LT muscle activities. Bipolar Ag/AgCl electrodes (interelectrode distance = 20 mm) were placed over the muscles according to the Surface ElectroMyography for the Noninvasive Assessment of Muscles (SENIAM) European Recommendations for Surface ElectroMyography.23  Before electrode placement, we prepared the electrode sites of the body by shaving and cleaning the skin surface to minimize skin impedance (<10 kΩ). Electrodes for the UT were placed midway between the acromion and the seventh cervical vertebra; for the MT, in the middle of the medial side of the scapula and the third thoracic vertebra; and for the LT, at two-thirds of the line from the trigonum spinae to the eighth thoracic vertebra. The sampling rate was 1500 Hz, common-mode rejection ratio was >80 dB, and gain was set at 1000 (baseline noise <1 μV root mean square). Synchronized video capture with a rate of 50 frames/second (Webcam C500; Logitech International SA) was used during all measurements to identify the different phases of the exercises.

Exercise Testing

In all participants, both shoulders were tested. For each muscle, maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) were recorded before the exercise testing. To prevent order bias, the MVICs and the exercises were performed in randomized order. All MVIC measurements were obtained by the same investigator, and strong oral encouragement was given to promote maximal effort during the measurements. We chose the MVIC testing positions based on evidence from previous investigations.1,17,24,25  Before data collection, the MVIC test positions were taught to each individual. For the UT MVIC measurements, the unsupported seated-T position was used. Resistance was applied over the elbow while the shoulder was in 90° of abduction. The MT was tested in the prone-T thumbs-up position, and resistance was applied over the elbow while the shoulder was in 90° of horizontal abduction with external rotation. The LT was tested in the prone-V thumbs-up position with the arm placed diagonally overhead and parallel to the fibers of the LT. One practice trial was performed in each MVIC position, followed by 3 test trials. Each MVIC trial lasted 5 seconds with 30 seconds of rest between trials. A 1-minute rest was allowed between MVIC test positions.

Retraction exercises at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 120° of shoulder abduction with elastic resistance were performed while the participants stood upright with their feet positioned shoulder-width apart (Figure 1). Before data collection, they performed each exercise without elastic resistance (TheraBand, The Hygenic Corp) to become familiar with the movement and then repeated the exercise with elastic resistance. To standardize the amount of resistance across participants, we used the OMNI perceived exertion scale. Colado et al26  reported the intersession reliability of this scale as 0.72 to 0.76. Scapular retraction at 90° of shoulder abduction was chosen to determine the amount of band resistance. Participants performed this exercise with increasing resistance for 10 repetitions until the level of perceived effort was rated between 6 and 8 (somewhat hard to hard) on a 0 to 10 scale (0 = extremely easy, 10 = extremely hard).

Figure 1

Retraction exercise at various shoulder-abduction angles.

Figure 1

Retraction exercise at various shoulder-abduction angles.

Close modal

After the practice trials, the participants were instructed in the resisted scapular retraction at each shoulder-abduction angle (0°, 45°, 90°, and 120°); this exercise was carried out 3 times with 5 seconds' rest between repetitions. A 2-minute rest was given between exercises to minimize the effect of muscle fatigue. All exercises were performed with 90° of elbow flexion except during the retraction exercise at 120°. Due to the nature of this exercise, retraction at 120° (also known as high-row exercise)21,25,27  was performed from the elbow in full extension to 90° of flexion (Figure 1). All exercises were performed from scapular protraction to full retraction. Wooden bars were used to guide the position of the elbows during the exercise to maintain the designated upper extremity angle. The participants were instructed to stand with feet shoulder-width apart and perform full scapular retraction with their elbows positioned at their sides. In scapular retraction, they were asked to squeeze the shoulder blades without shoulder elevation or increased lumbar lordosis and focus on the interscapular region during the exercise. Each exercise consisted of 3-second concentric, 3-second isometric, and 3-second eccentric phases. A metronome (60 beeps/min) was used to standardize the velocity of each phase. Only data from the isometric phase were used for analysis.

Data Analysis

MyoResearch XP Master Edition software (Noraxon) was used for signal processing. Electromyography signals were filtered with a band-pass filter (20 to 500 Hz) and smoothed using a root mean square algorithm with a 100-millisecond moving window. Data from each muscle contraction during scapular retraction were normalized to the maximal activity measured during the MVICs. The average values from 3 repetitions were calculated and expressed as a percentage of MVIC (%MVIC). Muscle activity in a range from 0% to 20% MVIC was considered low activity; 21% to 40% MVIC, moderate activity; 41% to 60% MVIC, high activity; and >60% MVIC, very high activity.28  Also, we calculated the UT/MT and UT/LT ratios using the average of the %MVICs to determine the appropriate exercise for low muscle ratios.

Statistical Analysis

We used SPSS (version 21.0; IBM Corp) for all statistical analyses. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to see if the distribution of the data was normal. A paired t test was used to compare individual muscle activity at each angle between the extremities. To assess muscle activity among the exercises, a 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted with muscle (3 levels) and angle (4 levels) as within-subject factors. One-way ANOVA was used to determine whether the UT/MT and UT/LT ratios differed among the exercises. Post hoc pairwise comparisons were performed using a Bonferroni correction. The significance level was set at α < .05.

Only dominant-shoulder muscle activities were reported as the paired t tests revealed no differences between extremities for the UT, MT, and LT activities at each angle (P values > .05). The mean muscle activity during the 4 exercises ranged from 15.8% to 54.7% MVIC for the UT, from 30.5% to 51.6% MVIC for the MT, and from 21.4% to 25.5% MVIC for the LT (Table 1 and Figure 2).

Table 1

Normalized Activity of Each Muscle and Activation Ratios at Each Abduction Angle

Normalized Activity of Each Muscle and Activation Ratios at Each Abduction Angle
Normalized Activity of Each Muscle and Activation Ratios at Each Abduction Angle
Figure 2

Mean normalized activity of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius at each abduction angle.

Figure 2

Mean normalized activity of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius at each abduction angle.

Close modal

We found a significant muscle × angle interaction for the retraction exercise (F6,204 = 18.31, P < .001). Post hoc tests revealed that the MT was more activated than the UT and LT during retraction at both 0° (P < .001 and P = .01 respectively) and 120° of shoulder abduction (P = .03 and P = .002, respectively). No differences occurred between the UT and LT activities in retraction at 0° (P = .10) and 120° of abduction (P = .17). During retraction at 45° and 90° of shoulder abduction, the LT generated less activity than the UT (P = .02 and P = .03, respectively) and MT (P < .001 and P = .002, respectively). No differences were present between the UT and MT activities in retraction at 45° (P = .07) and 90° of abduction (P = .56; Table 2).

Table 2

Post hoc Pairwise Comparisons of Mean Normalized Activity for Trapezius Muscle Parts at Each Angle

Post hoc Pairwise Comparisons of Mean Normalized Activity for Trapezius Muscle Parts at Each Angle
Post hoc Pairwise Comparisons of Mean Normalized Activity for Trapezius Muscle Parts at Each Angle

When we compared activity of the different parts of the trapezius, post hoc tests indicated that the highest UT activity was observed at 90° of shoulder abduction and the lowest at 0° (P values < .001). The MT generated the highest activity during retraction at 90° of shoulder abduction and the lowest activity at 0° (P values < .001). The LT activity at 120° of shoulder abduction was higher during retraction than at 0° (P = .004). No other differences were demonstrated among the exercises for LT activity (Table 3).

Table 3

Post hoc Pairwise Comparisons of Mean Normalized Activity of Each Trapezius Muscle at Various Shoulder-Abduction Angles

Post hoc Pairwise Comparisons of Mean Normalized Activity of Each Trapezius Muscle at Various Shoulder-Abduction Angles
Post hoc Pairwise Comparisons of Mean Normalized Activity of Each Trapezius Muscle at Various Shoulder-Abduction Angles

An angle main effect was found for the UT/MT (F3,102 = 9.75, P < .001) and UT/LT (F3,102 = 15.82, P < .001) ratios. Post hoc tests indicated that the UT/MT ratio during retraction at 0° was lower than at 45° (P = .03) and 90° (P < .001) of shoulder abduction. Additionally, the UT/MT ratio was higher during retraction at 90° than at 45° (P = .01). No differences were present in the UT/MT ratios for retraction at 0° and 120° (P = .09) or 90° and 120° (P = .10) of shoulder abduction.

The UT/LT ratio during retraction at 0° was lower than at 45° (P = .001) and 90° (P < .001) of shoulder abduction. Additionally, retraction at 90° resulted in a higher UT/LT ratio than at 45° (P = .004) and 120° (P = .004) of shoulder abduction. The UT/LT ratios were not different between retraction at 0° and 120° (P = .22) or 45° and 120° (P = 1.00) of shoulder abduction.

Our main objective was to compare the muscle-activation levels of the 3 distinct parts of the trapezius during retraction exercise at different shoulder-abduction angles. According to our results, retraction at 0° and 120° generated more MT activity relative to the UT and LT. Retraction at 45° and 90° produced greater MT and UT activity compared with LT activity. The exercise generally resulted in moderate-to-high (31% to 60% MVIC) MT and low-to-moderate (16% to 30% MVIC) LT activity. The UT activity varied from low to high (16% to 55%), depending on the shoulder angle. The highest UT, MT, and LT muscle activities were observed with retraction at 90° and the lowest at 0°.

Generally, we found that trapezius muscle activity increased as the shoulder angle increased during the retraction exercise, excluding retraction at 120° of shoulder abduction. The increased muscle activation with a rise in shoulder-abduction angle can be explained by the increase in upward rotation, external rotation, and posterior tilt of the scapula during shoulder elevation. Because retraction at 120° of abduction was performed from the overhead position downward, decreases in shoulder abduction and in scapular upward rotation may have led to lower UT and MT muscle activities compared with retraction at 90°. In a recent investigation, Contemori et al14  compared the trapezius muscle activity during glenohumeral abduction performed between 15° and 120° in different combinations of scapular positions (neutral, retracted, protracted) while standing. Retraction of the scapula led to increased activation of all trapezial parts as the shoulder-abduction angle increased, consistent with our findings. However, their trapezius muscle-activation levels were greater than ours in all shoulder-abduction angles. These variations might be due to several factors. Contemori et al14  performed scapular retraction during dynamic shoulder abduction in a standing position, so that the trapezius worked against gravity. Also, scapular retraction was conducted with full elbow extension, which overloaded the trapezius more than the scapular-retraction exercise with 90° of elbow flexion.

Several researchers21,27,29,30  investigated trapezius muscle activity during scapular retraction or rowing exercises with a pulley apparatus or tubing resistance or without resistance in standing position. De Mey et al21  evaluated UT and LT activity during scapular-retraction kinetic chain exercises at approximately 90° of elevation with pulley resistance (5 to 10 kg). They found that both muscle-activation levels were below 20% MVIC. In addition, they reported greater LT versus UT activity during all exercises. Castelein et al29  examined trapezius muscle activity during overhead retraction (without resistance) in a standing position similar to our retraction at 120° exercise and described low UT, MT, and LT activities (<30% MVIC). The overhead retraction used in their study was without resistance and may have caused less trapezius muscle activity compared with our results (25.5% to 43.8%, respectively). McCabe et al30  measured trapezius muscle activity during unilateral scapular-retraction exercise performed at 80° of shoulder elevation with elastic resistance in a standing position. They noted moderate to marked (50% to 62% MVIC) UT, MT, and LT activity. Furthermore, Myers et al27  demonstrated 35.5% to 51.2% MVIC LT activity during unilateral low, middle, and high scapular rows with resistance-tubing exercises. They also stated that the lowest LT activity occurred during the middle-row exercise. Trapezius activity levels in these 2 investigations were slightly higher than ours. First, the 2 groups of researchers tested the isotonic phases of the exercises instead of the isometric phase, which might have led to greater muscle-activation levels than ours. Second, they used unilateral scapular retraction, which might have caused greater muscle activity levels than the exercise performed bilaterally. Moreover, lower UT activities in our research might be due to the oral feedback provided by the examiner during the exercise to participants to not shrug their shoulders.

To date, many authors8,14,1719  have reported trapezius muscle activity during retraction exercises at different shoulder-abduction angles in the prone position. Oyama et al8  explored trapezius muscle activity while participants lay prone and performed scapular retractions at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 120° of shoulder abduction. Although the increases in UT, MT, and LT muscle activity with shoulder abduction paralleled our results, all of the trapezius muscle-activation levels were higher than ours. The exercises were performed against gravity in Oyama et al's work,8  which might have loaded the trapezius more than in a standing position. Further, trapezial activation might have been more isolated in the prone position due to the limited contributions of the core and lower extremity muscles in that position. Therefore, scapular retraction at different shoulder-abduction angles in a standing position may be useful in early training or shoulder rehabilitation to train conscious trapezius muscle control in a functional position for use in the kinetic chain. Lower UT muscle-activation levels in standing versus prone position might be helpful in individuals with prominent medial or inferior scapular borders. However, if the goal is to increase UT activity, such as in individuals with existing prominence of the superior scapular border, scapular retraction in standing position may not be as beneficial as in prone position.

One crucial point to be considered in exercise selection is the activation ratios for the parts of the trapezius muscle. We observed lower UT/MT and UT/LT ratios in retraction at 0° and higher ratios in retraction at 90° of shoulder abduction. Retraction at 45° and 120° generated similar UT/MT and UT/LT ratios. Lopes et al31  indicated that individuals with obvious scapular dyskinesis had reduced scapular external rotation and increased UT activity compared with those who did not have dyskinesis. Therefore, exercises with lower UT/MT or UT/LT ratios are considered most appropriate for improving scapular muscle performance, especially in individuals with abnormal scapular motion.2  Based on these results, we concluded that all exercise variations except retraction at 90° may be useful in the early phases of training or rehabilitation because of their appropriate trapezius muscle balance activation. However, in later stages, retraction at 90° would be more helpful, especially if the goal is to increase muscle-activation levels of the entire trapezius.

This study had several limitations. First, all participants were young adults without shoulder symptoms. Thus, the results may not be generalizable to different age groups or individuals with shoulder conditions due to variable scapular kinematics. Furthermore, although this investigation provided useful information regarding trapezius muscle activity during retraction exercise at different shoulder-abduction angles, we did not investigate associated scapular kinematics. Examining scapular kinematics simultaneously with muscle activity during the exercises would provide additional information for practitioners in selecting appropriate exercise for their clients.

Overall, our results suggested that the scapular-retraction exercises at different angles of shoulder abduction with elastic resistance activated the UT and MT more than the LT. Notably, individuals with existing prominence of the medial scapular border may benefit from these exercises because they primarily activate the MT muscle. The lowest UT/MT and UT/LT ratios were in retraction at 0°. Retraction at 45° and 120° also elicited low ratios. Therefore, retraction at 0°, 45°, and 120° of abduction can be performed to decrease UT relative to MT activity, depending on the goal in early shoulder training and rehabilitation. Additionally, if the goal is to maximize MT and LT activations regardless of UT activity, retraction at 90° may be used in exercise programs as it elicited the highest MT and LT activations.

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