COMPARATIVE EMG ANALYSIS OF THE SHOULDER BETWEEN RECREATIONAL ATHLETES AND JAVELIN THROWERS DURING ELEMENTARY ARM MOTIONS AND DURING PITCHING

Shoulder problems are common in throwing sports. Although there is still much to learn, knowledge of sequential muscle activation about the shoulder is expanding. Further elucidation of muscle activity involved in pitching a ball permits more specific conditioning to help improve performance, reduce injury, and assist rehabilitation in the event of injury. The aim of this study is to compare the muscle activity of recreational athletes and javelin throwers during the elementary motion of upper extremities and during pitching. Nine javelin throwers and sixteen recreational athletes without shoulder problems were studied in the Biomechanical Laboratory at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Signals were recorded by surface electromyography from eight different muscles. The results obtained from the muscles of upper extremities of throwers were compared with those of recreational athletes. The better neuromuscular control of throwers caused a more profitable muscle activity. Differences during the learned motion are more significant. Muscles of the deltoideus of recreational athletes show stronger activity then those of throwers. Muscles of the rotator cuff of throwers show stronger activity. These data may provide a basis for understanding improved performance and an adjunct for sports-specific rehabilitation programs.