Electromyographic investigation of free weights and Thera-Band during selected shoulder rehabilitation exercise

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare average and peak muscle activation when using free weights and Thera-Band® in the completion of three selected shoulder rehabilitation exercises. More specifically the purpose was to compare the average and average peak normalized rms EMG of the anterior deltoid during shoulder flexion, the middle deltoid during shoulder abduction, and the biceps brachii during elbow flexion with a 10 pound dumbbell or with a black Thera-Band®. Surface electromyography recorded the muscle activation of the anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, and biceps brachii muscles. A paired samples T-test was used to compare the level of muscle activation between the two rehabilitation tools.