It is not well known how different external loads influence shoulder kinematics and muscle activity in patients with shoulder prostheses. Study objective: define shoulder kinematics and determine the scapulothoracic contribution to total shoulder motion, in combination with shoulder muscle activity and the degree of co-contraction, of patients with total (TSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSA) and healthy individuals during rehabilitation exercises using different loading conditions. Shoulder motions (anteflexion and elevation in the scapular plane) of 17 patients (20 shoulders) with a TSA, 8 patients (9 shoulders) with a RSA and 15 healthy subjects were measured using anelectromagnetic tracking device. A force transducer recorded force signals during loaded conditions (without external load, 1 kg and elastic resistance). Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the deltoid (anterior, middle, posterior parts), latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major (clavicular and sternal parts), teres major and serratus anterior was recorded and the degree of co-contraction calculated.Background:
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