Periscapular Muscle Activation During Open and Closed Kinetic Chain in Stroke

Comparison of Activity Levels of Periscapular Muscles During Open and Closed Kinetic Chain Activities in Individuals With Stroke

The goal of this observational study is to compare the activity levels of the periscapular (levator scapula, serratus anterior, infraspinatus, upper, middle and lower trapezius) muscles during open and closed kinetic chain activities in individuals with stroke. It is also aimed to reveal the relationship between the timing and percentage of scapular muscle activation, the viscoelastic properties of these muscles, motor performance and capacity. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• The activation timing, percentage and viscoelastic properties of the periscapular muscles of stroke individuals compared to healthy individuals;
• The activation timing and percentages of periscapular muscles during closed kinetic chain and open kinetic chain activities in stroke individuals;
• The relationship between muscle activation timing, muscle activation percentage, viscoelastic properties, upper extremity motor performance and capacity.

The study will include both hemiplegic (n=10) and healthy (n=10) participants. All of the participants will be assessed in terms of scapular muscle activation timing and percentage (with superficial electromyography) during both open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain activities.

viscoelastic properties of muscles (Miyoton) will be evaluated. Upper extremity movement frequency and quality (MAG-28) and functional performance (Fugl-Meyer) will be evaluated to reveal the status of stroke individuals.

In the study, it is also aimed to reveal the relationship between the timing and percentage of scapular muscle activation, the viscoelastic properties of these muscles, motor performance and capacity. 10 healthy and 10 hemiplegic individuals are planned to participate in the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

Stroke patients will be considered eligible for participation if they:

• were at least 6 weeks after stroke (hemorrhagic or ischemic);
• had mild to moderate upper limb motor impairment (score of ≥30 on the Fugl-Meyer upper limb motor part;
• had a negative Neer impingement test;
• could sit or stand up independently at least 10 minutes.

Healthy controls will be considered eligible for participation if they:

• had no self-reported shoulder pain;
• had a negative Neer impingement test.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants will be excluded according to these criteria:

• being involuntary to participate and unable to follow the instructions;
• being younger than 18 years old;
• body mass index equal or higher than 30;
• shoulder and/or neck pain in the last six months;
• known history of shoulder dislocation, fracture or surgery;
• other systemic and/or neurologic diseases. -