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Scapular Kinematics During Supraspinatus Rehabilitation Exercise

A Comparison of Full-Can Versus Empty-Can Techniques

Charles A. Thigpen, PT, ATC, MS^*,, Darin A. Padua, PhD, ATC, Nicholas Morgan, Carly Kreps^|| and Spero G. Karas, MD^¶

From the Interdisciplinary Program in Human Movement Science, Sports Medicine Research Lab and the Department of Exercise & Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the ^|| University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, and the ^¶ Emory Healthcare Sports Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia

^* Address correspondence to Charles A. Thigpen, PT, ATC, MS, Interdisciplinary Program in Human Movement Science, Sports Medicine Research Lab, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 8700, 06F Fetzer Gym, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 (e-mail: cthigpen{at}email.unc.edu).

Background: Supraspinatus strengthening is an important component of shoulder rehabilitation. Previous work has determined that the full-can and empty-can exercises elicit the greatest amount of supraspinatus activity. However, scapular kinematics has not been considered when prescribing supraspinatus exercises.

Hypothesis: Scapular downward rotation, internal rotation, and anterior tipping during the empty-can exercise are increased when compared with the full-can exercise.

Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods: Twenty participants performed full-can and empty-can exercises while an electromagnetic tracking system was used to collect three-dimensional scapular kinematic data. Scapular angles at 30°, 60°, and 90° of the ascending and descending phases of humeral elevation were compared using 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results: There was more scapular anterior tipping and internal rotation during the empty-can exercise at all sampled humeral elevation angles except at 30° of the descending phase for anterior/posterior tipping (P < .05).

Conclusion: Scapular anterior tipping and internal rotation are increased during the empty-can exercise, whereas scapular upward rotation was not different between exercises.

Clinical Relevance: Increased scapular internal rotation and anterior tipping decrease the volume of the supraspinatus outlet during the empty-can exercise. When maintenance of the subacromial space is important, use of the full-can exercise seems most appropriate for selective strengthening of the supraspinatus muscle.

Key Words: shoulder • rotator cuff • motion analysis • therapy