Based on the biomechanical scan of the video provided, here is the detailed analysis focusing on spinal mechanics, particularly in the context of the visible spinal fusion scar.
ACTIONABLE STEPS (Priority Order)
- 1Switch to Unilateral (Single-Arm) Loading: The bilateral V-bar is masking a significant strength and mobility discrepancy between the left and right scapula. Switch to a single D-handle cable row. This will force the right side (the lagging side) to work independently without the left side compensating.
- 2Cue "Depression *Before* Retraction": On the right side specifically, the upper trap is dominating the movement (shrugging).
* *Cue:* "Put your shoulder blade in your back pocket before you pull your elbow back."
- 3Neutralize the Cervical Spine: At the peak of the contraction (e.g., timestamp 00:04), your head juts forward slightly. Tuck the chin (make a "double chin") to align the neck with the fused thoracic section. This improves neural drive to the trapezius.
- 4Implement an Isometric Hold: Add a 2-second pause at the point of full contraction. This is specifically to train the right rhomboid and lower trap to stabilize the scapula against the rib cage, which is mechanically difficult due to the underlying spinal structure.
FORM OVERVIEW & SCORE
Form Quality Score: 7.5/10
The subject displays excellent control and respects the limitations of a surgically fused spine by maintaining a rigid torso. However, significant asymmetry is present in the shoulder girdle mechanics. The left side functions optimally with proper depression/retraction, while the right side exhibits compensatory elevation (shrugging) and reduced range of motion, likely due to the structural convexity of the rib cage associated with the spinal history.
- Spinal Integrity: 9/10 (Excellent stability; zero hazardous flexion/extension).
- Movement Symmetry: 6/10 (Clear right-side dysfunction/elevation).
- Tempo Control: 8/10 (Controlled eccentric, though concentric velocity fades).
- Range of Motion: 7/10 (limited by the V-bar hitting the torso before full right-side retraction).
DETAILED ANALYSIS
Setup Position
- Observation: The subject is seated with feet firmly planted. A long vertical scar indicating posterior spinal fusion is clearly visible.
- Biomechanical State: The spine is essentially a rigid lever. There is a noticeable structural rotation in the rib cage (right side appears more prominent/posterior), which is consistent with thoracic scoliosis (convexity to the right).
- Shoulder Alignment: Even at rest (00:00), the right shoulder sits slightly higher and more anteriorly tipped than the left.
Eccentric Phase (Stretching)
- Timestamps: 00:05-00:08, 00:13-00:16
- Analysis: The eccentric tempo is controlled (~3 seconds), which is excellent for hypertrophy.
- Scapular Movement: At the end of the eccentric phase (full stretch), the shoulders protract forward. On the return, the left scapula glides smoothly. The right scapula, however, appears to get "stuck" on the rib cage, requiring upper trap engagement to initiate the next pull.
Transition/Bottom Position
- Critical Issue: At the transition from stretch to pull (00:08), watch the right shoulder. It initiates movement by elevating (going up towards the ear) rather than retracting.
- Asymmetry: The left shoulder stays depressed (away from the ear), indicating proper lower lat and lower trap engagement. The right side relies on the levator scapulae and upper trap.
Concentric Phase (The Pull)
- Timestamps: 00:09-00:11, 00:17-00:19
- Trajectory: The elbows travel back, but they are not symmetrical. The left elbow tucks tighter to the body. The right elbow flares slightly outward (~10-15° difference).
- Torso Mechanics: The torso remains perfectly still. This is crucial for a fusion patient. Any attempt to use "body English" or momentum by rocking the hips would place excessive shear force on the vertebral segments immediately above or below the fusion (adjacent segment disease risk). The subject correctly avoids this.
Lockout/Top Position
- Timestamp: 00:04, 00:11, 00:20
- Range of Motion: The V-bar touches the abdomen/lower chest.
- Deviation: At peak contraction, the left shoulder is fully retracted. The right shoulder is anteriorly tilted (dumped forward). This indicates that the Pectoralis Minor on the right side may be tight, or the Rhomboids on the right are unable to overcome the rib hump deformity to fully retract the scapula.
Rep-to-Rep Consistency
- Fatigue Pattern: By rep 5 (00:36), the velocity of the pull slows down.
- Compensations: As fatigue sets in, the right shoulder elevation becomes more pronounced. The subject begins to lead with the chin slightly more, breaking cervical alignment to compensate for the upper back fatigue.
Scoliosis & Fusion Considerations
- Structural Analysis: The scar suggests a long-segment fusion. The mechanics observed are consistent with a Right Thoracic Scoliosis pattern (right rib hump).
- Scapular Gliding: In this condition, the right ribs are rotated backward. This creates a "hill" that the right shoulder blade must glide over to retract. This is mechanically disadvantageous and explains why the right shoulder shrugs—it's trying to go *over* the hump rather than *around* it.
- Contraindications: Avoid any variation that requires spinal rotation or flexion (e.g., twisting cable rows). The current sagittal plane movement is safe, but the implement (V-bar) forces a symmetrical path that the body cannot structurally fulfill.
Injury Risk Assessment
- Low Risk: Lumbar injury. The fusion and the subject's discipline keep the lower back safe.
- Moderate Risk: Cervical strain. The upper trap dominance on the right side can lead to neck tension and headaches.
- Moderate Risk: Right shoulder impingement. The lack of depression and the anterior tilting at the top of the rep reduces the subacromial space, risking rotator cuff irritation over time.
Programming Recommendations
- 1Corrective Exercise (Prime Mover):
* Single-Arm Iliac Lat Pulldowns: Focus on driving the elbow down to the hip to engage the lower lat and depress the scapula, counteracting the upper trap dominance.
- 2Modifications:
* Equipment Change: Replace the V-bar with two independent handles or a long rope. This allows the elbows to travel varying distances based on the structural asymmetry, rather than the bar hitting the torso and stopping the range of motion prematurely for the left side (or forcing the right side too far).
- 3Mobility/Soft Tissue:
* Right Pec Minor Release: Manual therapy or lacrosse ball work on the right chest will help reduce the anterior shoulder tilt and allow better retraction.
* Thoracic Breathing: Focus on expanding the *left* side of the rib cage (the concave side) during rest periods.