Comparison of scapular upward rotator activity among three different Y-raise exercises in healthy male individuals

BackgroundScapular upward rotators are important for the ideal movement pattern of the glenohumeral joint. The Y-raise exercise (YR) can be recommended for the activation of these muscles overall and selectively for the lower trapezius (LT).ObjectiveThis study investigated and compared the activity of scapular upward rotators and activity ratios among three different Y-raise exercises (YR1, YR2, and YR3).MethodsFifteen healthy male individuals participated. All participants performed three different Y-raise exercises in random order: YR1, YR2, and YR3. Muscle activity of the upper trapezius (UT), LT, and serratus anterior (SA) was measured during each exercise using surface electromyography. Comparisons were analyzed by one-way repeated measures ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni adjustment.ResultsUT activity decreased in YR2 (23.21%) compared to YR1 (46.54%) and YR3 (42.95%) (p = 0.001). LT activity increased in YR3 (58.32%) compared to YR1 (46.44%) and YR2 (47.96%) (p = 0.001). The LT/UT activity ratio was higher in YR2 (2.57) compared to YR1 (1.14) and YR3 (1.74) (p = 0.001).ConclusionYR2 and YR3 can be recommended for selective LT activation in early-stage rehabilitation and overall scapular upward rotator activity in late-stage rehabilitation, respectively.