A Comparison of Electrical Activity of Arm Abductor Muscles in the Shoulder Abduction and Scaption Between Shooting Fields

Abstract Objective: Considering the positions that the shooter take during shooting in different fiels, possibility of activity the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles which are common muscles during shooting, varies in different fields. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluation and compare the activity of deltoid and supraspinatus muscles between shooting fields. Methods: 24 shooters (8 archer, 8 pistol and 8 air rifle shooters) participated in the study. The subjects were performed arm abduction and scaption to the 60 and 90 degrees. The electrical activity deltoid and supraspinatus muscles were recorded using surface electromyography. Results: The results showed that the activity of the anterior deltoid in the 60 and 90 degree abduction and the activity of the deltoid middle and supraspinatus only in position of 90 degree of abduction was significantly higher in the archery group than in the pistol group. Conclusion: The higher deltoid and supraspinatus activities in the archery field could be related to, stretching force of string of bow and the greater hand angle in the shoulder joint during the performance of this type of shooting.