Electromyographic analysis of the scapular muscles during a golf swing

Abstract

To describe the role of the scapular muscles in the golf swing, we studied 15 competitive male golfers. Four muscles were studied bilaterally using dynamic electromyography and cinematography. In the trailing arm, the levator scapulae elevates while the rhomboid muscles retract the scapula during takeaway; both then stabilize the scapula through the remainder of the swing. In the leading arm, these muscles retract the 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 promote 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 serratus anterior muscle has constant activity through all phases of the swing, which may explain the clinical scenario of muscle fatigue in high demand golfers. The golf swing and uncoiling action requires that the scapular muscles work in synchrony to maximize swing arc and clubhead speed. This study demonstrates the importance of the scapular muscles in the golf swing and the need for specific strengthening exercises.