ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE SCAPULAR MUSCLES DURING A GOLF SWING

To describe the role of the scapular muscles in the golf swing, we stu died 15 competitive male golfers. Four muscles were studied bilaterall y using dynamic electromyography and cinematography. In the trailing a rm, the levator scapulae elevates while the rhomboid muscles retract t he scapula during takeaway; both then stabilize the scapula through th e remainder of the swing. In the leading arm, these muscles retract th e scapula during forward swing and acceleration. The trapezius muscle in the trailing arm also demonstrates high activity during takeaway to aid in scapular retraction. In the leading arm, trapezius activity is high in forward swing and through the remainder of the swing to promo te scapular retraction. The serratus anterior muscle activity is high in the trailing arm during forward swing and through the remainder of the swing to maximize scapular protraction. In the leading arm, the se rratus anterior muscle has constant activity through all phases of the swing, which may explain the clinical scenario of muscle fatigue in h igh demand golfers. The golf swing and uncoiling action requires that the scapular muscles work in synchrony to maximize swing are and clubh ead speed. This study demonstrates the importance of the scapular musc les in the golf swing and the need for specific strengthening exercise s.