Biomechanical characteristics of the scapulothoracic joint while lowering the arms: a literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2317-0190.v18i2a103622Keywords:
Biomecânica, Escápula, Membros Superiores, EletromiografiaAbstract
The aim of this study was to conduct a critical review of the bio-mechanical characteristics of the scapulothoracic joint during the lowering of the arms in healthy subjects and in subjects with shoulder disorders. A computerized search was performed in MEDLINE, SCIELO, LILACS and PE-Dro databases. Manual searching was then done and, after analyzing the 232 studies that were found, 14 remained eligible to be included according to the inclusion criteria previously established. Two studies analyzed both characteristics, and only two gave results related to individuals with shoulder disorders. The results of these studies showed that during the lowering of the arms, the three-dimensional movements of the scapulothoracic joint involved a combined movement of downward rotation (axis perpendicular to the scapular plane), anterior tilt (medial-lateral axis), and internal rotation (vertical axis) in the frontal (lowering of arm abduction), sagittal (lowering of arm flexion), and scapular planes. Thus, the lowering of the arms is considered to be a reverse movement of the scapulothoracic movements during arm elevation. However, there are significant differences in angular positions of the scapulothoracic joint when compared to arm elevation, especially in the downward rotation and tilt movements. The isolated muscular activity and the co-activation of the scapulothoracic muscles gradually lessen during the lowering of the arms and show lower magnitude than during the elevation phase. The scarcity of studies that assess the biomechanical characteristics of the scapulothoracic joint in individuals with shoulder disorders limits the understanding of kine-matics and muscle activity in this specific population.
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