How the latissimus dorsi activates during common shoulder and rehab exercises
Investigation of Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Activation During Different Exercises
This single-visit lab test will see how the latissimus dorsi is activated during band and body-weight shoulder exercises in healthy, active adults aged 18–40.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Altındag) |
| Trial ID | NCT07297771 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Healthy, physically active adults will perform a series of standardized band and body-weight exercises (three repetitions each) with metronome-paced concentric, isometric, and eccentric phases and individualized load set to OMNI RPE 6–8. Surface EMG will be recorded from medial and lateral latissimus dorsi and selected synergists using SENIAM-guided electrode placement; signals will be filtered, rectified, smoothed, and normalized to %MVIC from standardized MVC tests. Exercise and MVC order will be randomized to limit bias, and the primary outcome is mean normalized EMG for each exercise. The protocol is a single laboratory visit with short rest periods between repetitions and exercises.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are healthy, physically active adults aged 18–40 with Tegner activity scale ≥5, no recent shoulder/cervical/lumbar complaints, full shoulder range of motion, and BMI ≤25 kg/m².
Not a fit: People older than 40, those with recent shoulder or spinal complaints, systemic or neurological disease, restricted shoulder range of motion, or BMI >25 kg/m² would not meet inclusion criteria and are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians choose exercises that best activate the latissimus dorsi to guide rehabilitation and strengthening programs.
How similar studies have performed: Previous sEMG studies have documented latissimus dorsi activation in pulldown-type exercises, but data are limited for rehabilitation-relevant body-weight and band exercises, so this protocol builds on partial prior evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-40 years * No range-of-motion restriction at the glenohumeral joint * No shoulder, cervical, or lumbar region complaints/injury within the past 6 months * No systemic or neurological disease * Competent to consent and provides written informed consent * Tegner Activity Scale ≥ 5 Exclusion Criteria: * Body mass index (BMI) \> 25 kg/m²
Where this trial is running
Ankara, Altındag
- Hacettepe University — Ankara, Altındag, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.