Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research

Review Article

An Investigation of Electromyographic Activity of Trapezius and Serratus Anterior Muscles in Individuals with Scapular Dyskinesis during Different Types of Push-ups: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ramin Arghadeh; Hooman Minoonejad; Mohammad Hosein Alizadeh; Rahman Sheikhhoseini; Parisa Sayyadi

Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2023, Pages 109-118

Abstract

Background:The use of push-ups has been suggested to strengthen the scapular stabilizers, while incorporating unstable surfaces is recommended to enhance the involvement of the neuromuscular ... Read More Background:The use of push-ups has been suggested to strengthen the scapular stabilizers, while incorporating unstable surfaces is recommended to enhance the involvement of the neuromuscular system. However, the impact of this instability on electromyography (EMG) activity in the periscapular muscles during push-ups in individuals with Scapular dyskinesis remains uncertain. Consequently, the objective of the current study was to assess the influence of unstable surfaces on EMG activity in the trapezius and Serratus anterior muscles among individuals with scapular dyskinesis during push-ups.Methods:A comprehensive search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, covering articles published from the inception of these databases until September 25, 2021. The search strategy utilized three main keyword categories: Scapular dyskinesis, electromyography, and push-up. Initially, 5,249 articles were identified through this search process. After a thorough assessment of the full text of these articles, four studies were deemed suitable for inclusion in the final review. Data extraction and evaluation of methodological quality were carried out as part of the review process. The Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated to perform the meta-analysis using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) Software, Version 3. Statistical significance was determined by a p-value less than 0.05.Results:The findings of the study revealed that the utilization of unstable surfaces among individuals with scapular dyskinesis led to an increase in the activity of the upper trapezius (P= 0.011; SMD= 0.807 [95%CI 0.188, 1.427]). Conversely, it reduced the Serratus anterior's activity (P= 0.000; SMD= -0.665 [95%CI -1.023, -0.307]). However, the electromyography activity of the Lower trapezius was not significantly affected (P= 0.176).Conclusion:Due to the imbalance between the upper trapezius and serratus anterior muscles in individuals with scapular dyskinesis, caution should be exercised when using unstable surfaces. Incorrect utilization of unstable surfaces may worsen these individuals' muscle imbalance. Therefore, it is advisable to approach unstable surfaces with heightened caution in individuals with scapular dyskinesis.

Original Articles

Assessing the Quality of Life of Pregnant Women Using a New Pregnancy Belt: A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) Study

Zhaleh Heydari; Mohammad Ali Mardani; Akbar Biglarian; Maryam Shokrpour; Gholamreza Aminian

Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2023, Pages 119-125

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QOL) is a multidimensional concept encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social functions. Lumbar pain (LP) experienced during pregnancy can ... Read More

Original Articles

The Effects of an 8-Week Scapular-Focused Exercise Program on Shoulder Pain and Sports Performance in Wheelchair Basketball Players

Danial Moslepour; Hassan Daneshmandi; Aynollah Naderi

Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2023, Pages 126-136

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the extent to which an 8-week scapular stabilizer strengthening and stretching exercise can reduce shoulder pain and improve wheelchair basketball ... Read More Background: This study aimed to investigate the extent to which an 8-week scapular stabilizer strengthening and stretching exercise can reduce shoulder pain and improve wheelchair basketball sport skills.Methods: This is a parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving twenty-five elite wheelchair basketball players aged 25 to 54 who experienced shoulder pain. They were randomly assigned to either the exercise group (n=13) or the control group (n=12). The 8-week exercise program consisted of strengthening exercises targeting the serratus anterior, scapular retractor, and shoulder external rotator muscles, as well as stretching exercises for the upper trapezius, pectoralis major and minor muscles, and the posterior glenohumeral capsule and underlying soft tissues. Shoulder pain intensity was assessed using the wheelchair user's shoulder pain index, and basketball performance was evaluated using wheelchairs’ basketball skill tests. In addition, measurements of shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion, scapular upward rotation, maximal isometric muscle strength of middle and lower trapezius muscles, and pectoralis minor muscle length were taken at baseline and after the 8-week exercise intervention.Top of FormResults: Participants in the exercise group experienced a significantly lower level of shoulder pain (p=0.001) and demonstrated a higher level of sports performance in all tests (p<0.05) compared to the control group. Moreover, the exercise group showed significant improvements in shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion (ROM) (p>0.001), external rotators muscle strength (p<0.001), and middle and lower trapezius muscle strength (p=0.003 and p=0.004, respectively) in comparison to the control group. Additionally, scapular upward rotation (p<0.001) and pectoralis minor length (p<0.001) were significantly increased in the exercise group compared to the control group (p<0.05).Conclusions: Indeed, the results suggest that an eight-week exercise program focused on scapular stabilizers and rotator cuff muscles can improve glenohumeral internal rotation, pectoralis minor length, and lower trapezius muscle strength. As a result, this exercise program could be considered a viable option for alleviating shoulder pain and enhancing sports performance in wheelchair basketball players.

Original Articles

The Effectiveness of a Timly Cognitive Intervention Package on the Cognitive and Academic Performance of Students with Specific Learning Disorders

Malahat Amani; Rogayeh AsadiGandomani; Abas Nesayan

Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2023, Pages 137-144

Abstract

Background: Early detection and intervention can lead to successful future educational experiences for at-risk children and reduce the negative consequences of learning disorders. This ... Read More

Original Articles

The Effect of a Neuromuscular Training Program on Landing Kinematics in Young Soccer Players with Poor Landing Mechanics

Nezam Nemati; Ali Asghar Norasteh; Ali Shamsi Majelan

Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2023, Pages 145-150

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance (PEP) program on knee valgus and knee flexion angles, as well as Landing Error Scoring ... Read More Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance (PEP) program on knee valgus and knee flexion angles, as well as Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) test scores in young male soccer players with poor landing mechanics. The study identified how increased knee valgus, decreased knee flexion and poor landing patterns contribute as risk factors for these young athletes' anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.Methods: The present study utilized a quasi-experimental design. A total of 47 soccer players with poor landing mechanics were purposefully recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=23 players, age= 12.69±0.70 years, height= 1.53±0.06 m, weight= 49.91±6.76 kg) or the control group (n=24 players, age= 12.55±0.64 years, height= 1.51±0.08 m, weight= 51.25±7.73 kg). The study measured Knee Valgus angle, Knee flexion angle, and LESS test scores at the baseline and the end of the 8-week study period. During the study, the intervention group used the Prevent Injury and Enhanced Performance (PEP) program as a warm-up routine, while the control group continued with their regular warm-up routine. The researchers used ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance) and paired-sample t-test statistical analyses to evaluate the changes.Results: the intervention group significantly reduced knee valgus angle (p=0.001). Additionally, there were significant enhancements in knee flexion angle (p=0.003) and the LESS test scores (p=0.001). In contrast, the control group did not show significant improvements in knee valgus and knee flexion angles (p>0.05), except for LESS test scores (p=0.001), where they also demonstrated improvement. Moreover, the study found significant differences between the intervention and control groups in knee valgus angle (p=0.001), knee flexion angle (p=0.025), and LESS test scores (p=0.001).Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the PEP program effectively reduced dynamic knee valgus angles, increased knee flexion angles, and improved LESS test scores in young male soccer players. Therefore, it appears that this program can reduce the risk of ACL injuries in this population.

Original Articles

Audiological Findings of Speech Perception in Noise Test and Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale Questionnaire in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Ahmad Reza _Zamani; Sima Tajik; Somayeh Falahzadeh; Mina Bandad; Seyyed Mohammad Reza Taghavi; Farshid Oliaei

Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2023, Pages 151-156

Abstract

Background: The study aims to investigate the impact of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) on the auditory processing abilities of patients, including uremic neuropathy. The impairment of ... Read More

Original Articles

Comparison of the General Health of Parents of Hearing-Impaired Children with Early and Late Intervention

Nasrin Gohari; Seyede Faranak Emami; Bahareh Khavarghazalani

Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2023, Pages 157-161

Abstract

Background: Late identification and intervention of hearing loss in children negatively impact their hearing, language, and cognitive skills. Parents of hearing-impaired children (HIC) ... Read More

Original Articles

Adaptation and Psychometric Features of a Parent Report Measure to Profile Conversational Skills in Persian-Speaking Children with and without Language Disorders

Masoomeh Salmani; Fatemeh Paknazar; Jalal Bakhtiyari; Marziyeh Maddah; Fatemeh Malayjerdi; Amir Shakibi

Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2023, Pages 162-173

Abstract

Backgrounds: Language professionals require effective tools to gather accurate information about children's language in diverse settings. This study aimed to create a Persian version ... Read More Backgrounds: Language professionals require effective tools to gather accurate information about children's language in diverse settings. This study aimed to create a Persian version of the Preschoolers' Conversational Skills scale and gather initial data on conversational skills in children with and without language disorders.Method: The study primarily aimed to adapt an English research instrument into a Persian version. To achieve this goal, the research team employed a comprehensive process, including forward translation, synthesis of translations (harmony), backward translations (consolidation), expert committee review, cognitive interviewing, test of pre-final version, and submission and appraisal of all written reports. The participants involved in this process consisted of four translators, a statistician, a linguist, a speech therapist, the research team, eleven language professionals, ten mothers for cognitive interviewing, and 114 mothers for pretesting the final adapted version. A test-retest approach was utilized to assess the scale's reliability.Results: During the translation process, there were no complicated words or phrases encountered. The expert panel retained all items from the adapted version, adding examples to two items. Participants who evaluated the Persian version found the items clear and straightforward. The Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Scale Content Validity Index (S-CVI) were 1 and above 0.9, respectively, indicating high content validity. The Cronbach's alpha value, which measures the scale's internal consistency, was calculated to be 0.9, signifying a high level of reliability. The scale used cut-off points of at or below 2.5, between 2.5 and 4.8, and at or above 4.8 to categorize children based on their conversational skills.Conclusion: the adapted version of the Preschoolers’ Conversational Skills scale has demonstrated excellent validity and high reliability. Moreover, the scale is easy and quick to administer, making it suitable for use in clinical settings to evaluate children's pragmatic language abilities. Based on the scale's categorization, children can be classified into three groups: "no or infrequent pragmatic skills," "emerging pragmatic skills," and "well-developed pragmatic skills."

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Volume & Issue: Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2023, Pages 109-173

An Investigation of Electromyographic Activity of Trapezius and Serratus Anterior Muscles in Individuals with Scapular Dyskinesis during Different Types of Push-ups: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Assessing the Quality of Life of Pregnant Women Using a New Pregnancy Belt: A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) Study

Abstract

The Effects of an 8-Week Scapular-Focused Exercise Program on Shoulder Pain and Sports Performance in Wheelchair Basketball Players

Abstract

The Effectiveness of a Timly Cognitive Intervention Package on the Cognitive and Academic Performance of Students with Specific Learning Disorders

Abstract

The Effect of a Neuromuscular Training Program on Landing Kinematics in Young Soccer Players with Poor Landing Mechanics

Abstract

Audiological Findings of Speech Perception in Noise Test and Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale Questionnaire in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Comparison of the General Health of Parents of Hearing-Impaired Children with Early and Late Intervention

Abstract

Adaptation and Psychometric Features of a Parent Report Measure to Profile Conversational Skills in Persian-Speaking Children with and without Language Disorders

Abstract