Análise eletromiográfica dos músculos do ombro e escapulares em atletas overhead: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

The high demand for high levels of acceleration and force in the upper limbs in overhead sports contributes to shoulder complex injuries. In this sport activity, it is necessary to maintain a wide range of motion (ROM), strength, and dynamic shoulder balance to perform movements effectively and safely. Due to the dynamic shoulder requirement of overhead athletes, could there be differences in the analysis methodology and electromyographic (EMG) response of the scapulothoracic muscles in these athletes? Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence on electromyographic activity of the shoulder and scapular muscles in overhead athletes. Two researchers independently conducted the review, examining the studies to determine if they met the eligibility criteria. The search for studies was conducted in several databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scielo, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Initially, 1,953 articles were identified. After removing duplicates and screening the title/abstract, 53 full-text articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. However, 9 of these articles were not available in full, resulting in a complete reading of 44 articles by the reviewers. After the comprehensive analysis, 35 articles were considered eligible for the review. Based on the analyzed studies, it was concluded that the most commonly used type of muscle contraction is isotonic contraction. Surface electromyography was the most used method to evaluate muscle activity. Regarding arm positions and tasks, shoulder flexion and extension were most frequently used to assess muscle activation. This is largely due to swimming being the most evaluated sport in the reviewed studies.