An interventional study of Bilateral Scapular Retraction with Shoulder External Rotation (BSR-SER) Exercise in Healthy Volunteers, sponsored by Recep Tayyip Erdogan University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 35 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-06-03.
Sponsored by Recep Tayyip Erdogan University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Basic science
This study aims to investigate the effects of performing the Bilateral Scapular Retraction with Shoulder External Rotation (BSR-SER) exercise under kinetic chain involvement and unstable surface conditions on trapezius muscle activation. Surface electromyography (EMG) will be used to assess the activity levels of the upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles. The goal is to determine whether integrating kinetic chain elements and instability can optimize muscle activation patterns in healthy individuals during a commonly used scapular rehabilitation exercise.
Maintaining muscular balance among the scapular stabilizers is crucial for optimal shoulder function. The Bilateral Scapular Retraction with Shoulder External Rotation (BSR-SER) exercise is frequently used in clinical rehabilitation to activate the lower trapezius while minimizing upper trapezius activity. Although this exercise is widely practiced, the effects of performing it under kinetic chain conditions (such as squat and lunge positions) and on an unstable surface have not been thoroughly explored.
This study will examine how adding kinetic chain involvement and instability influences the electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), and lower trapezius (LT) muscles during the BSR-SER exercise. Twenty healthy participants will perform the exercise in various lower extremity positions (standing, squat, lunge) and on both stable and unstable surfaces using a BOSU® ball. EMG data will be collected using a wireless surface EMG system and analyzed in terms of percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC).
The results of this study may provide valuable insights into the optimization of scapular stabilization exercises and guide clinicians in designing more effective shoulder rehabilitation programs by incorporating kinetic chain principles and unstable surfaces.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan University is the lead sponsor of 67 studies on the registry; 12 are open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Participants perform the bilateral scapular retraction with shoulder external rotation (BSR-SER) exercise in a standing position on a stable surface using resistance bands.
Behavioral: Bilateral Scapular Retraction with Shoulder External Rotation (BSR-SER) Exercise
Participants perform the BSR-SER exercise in a standing position on an unstable surface (BOSU®) using resistance bands.
Behavioral: Bilateral Scapular Retraction with Shoulder External Rotation (BSR-SER) Exercise
Participants perform the BSR-SER exercise in a lunge position on a stable surface using resistance bands. Knee and trunk angles are standardized.
Behavioral: Bilateral Scapular Retraction with Shoulder External Rotation (BSR-SER) Exercise
Participants perform the BSR-SER exercise in a lunge position on an unstable surface (BOSU®) using resistance bands. Knee and trunk angles are standardized.
Behavioral: Bilateral Scapular Retraction with Shoulder External Rotation (BSR-SER) Exercise
Participants perform the BSR-SER exercise in a squat position on a stable surface using resistance bands. Knee and trunk angles are standardized.
Behavioral: Bilateral Scapular Retraction with Shoulder External Rotation (BSR-SER) Exercise
Participants perform the BSR-SER exercise in a squat position on an unstable surface (BOSU®) using resistance bands. Knee and trunk angles are standardized.
Behavioral: Bilateral Scapular Retraction with Shoulder External Rotation (BSR-SER) Exercise
Participants perform the Bilateral Scapular Retraction with Shoulder External Rotation (BSR-SER) exercise using a resistance band. The exercise is conducted under various conditions including stable and unstable surfaces (using BOSU® balance trainer) and in three different lower limb positions: standing, lunge, and squat. Each condition is randomized, and participants complete all conditions in a crossover design. The intervention aims to evaluate trapezius muscle activation patterns during these exercises using surface electromyography (EMG).
Upper Trapezius Muscle Activation
Surface electromyography (EMG) will measure the muscle activation level of the upper trapezius during the stationary phase of the BSR-SER exercise under various conditions. The activation will be normalized as a percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC).
Time frame: Day 1 (during the exercise session)
Middle Trapezius Muscle Activation
Surface EMG will measure the muscle activation level of the middle trapezius muscle during the stationary phase of the BSR-SER exercise under different surface and lower limb position conditions. Activation levels will be expressed as %MVIC.
Time frame: Day 1 (during the exercise session)
Lower Trapezius Muscle Activation
Surface EMG will measure the muscle activation of the lower trapezius during the stationary phase of the BSR-SER exercise. Muscle activity will be normalized to %MVIC.
Time frame: Day 1 (during the exercise session)
Muscle Activation Ratios
Ratios of muscle activation between the upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles will be calculated to assess balance of muscle recruitment during exercise.
Time frame: Day 1 (during the exercise session)
Plan to share: No
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Recep Tayyip Erdogan University