Ministry of Science, Research and Technology

Push-ups are widely used in exercise programs and shoulder rehabilitation, and they may influence scapular movement patterns and shoulder function. Changing the inclination of the supporting surface during push-ups may alter the biomechanical demands of the exercise and the distribution of forces, potentially affecting scapular kinematics. Furthermore, chronic shoulder pain may be associated with alterations in movement patterns and neuromuscular control. Therefore, investigating the effects of surface inclination on scapular movements in individuals with and without chronic shoulder pain may provide valuable insights into these differences and help optimize shoulder rehabilitation exercises.



The aim of this study is to investigate and compare scapular kinematics under three surface inclination conditions—positive, neutral, and negative—during push-ups in individuals with and without chronic shoulder pain. A total of 24 participants performed push-ups under all three surface conditions. Three-dimensional motion data were collected using a motion capture system and anatomical markers to track scapular movement. The primary outcome variables include scapular upward rotation, posterior tilt, and external rotation. Analyzing the effects of surface inclination, differences between groups, and the potential interaction between these factors may help identify distinct scapular movement patterns and provide scientific evidence for developing more appropriate exercise strategies in shoulder rehabilitation.