Electromyographic activity of the serratus anterior and pectoralis major during isometric scapular protraction at different resistance intensities in subjects with and without a winged scapula

During maximal isometric protraction, it is important to determine the optimal resistance intensity in subjects with a winged scapula, for inducing isolated activity of the serratus anterior against the pectoralis major, which is activated as a synergistic muscle. The aim of the present study was to determine electromyographic activities of the serratus anterior and pectoralis major muscles during isometric shoulder protraction at different levels in subjects with and without a winged scapula. Thirty male subjects performed isometric shoulder protraction in a sitting position at different resistance intensity levels (100%, 80%, and 60% of maximal protraction strength). Surface electromyographic data of the serratus anterior and pectoralis major muscles were gathered simultaneously using fixed instrumentation to measure isometric shoulder protraction. Muscle activity of the serratus anterior in subjects without a winged scapula was significantly greater than that of subjects with a winged scapula across all three conditions, whereas muscle activity of the pectoralis major was lower in subjects without a winged scapula. In addition, winged scapula muscle activity corresponding to maximal protraction was significantly greater than that in the submaximal condition. In a clinical setting, submaximal resistance can be more optimal than maximal effort during isometric shoulder protraction in individuals with a winged scapula. •Individuals with winged scapula showed decreased serratus anterior muscle activity.•Selective activation of the serratus anterior increased at submaximal intensity.•A submaximal effort level is recommended for individuals with a winged scapula.