Latissimus dorsi activation during resisted shoulder extension at different arm angles
Investigation of Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Activation During Shoulder Extension Exercises
This project tests how the latissimus dorsi muscle turns on during resisted shoulder extension at several arm elevation angles in healthy 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, Samandag) |
| Trial ID | NCT07297758 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a cross-sectional laboratory study at Hacettepe University using surface electromyography (sEMG) to record latissimus dorsi activity during dynamic, resisted shoulder extension performed at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of shoulder flexion. The primary aim is to quantify latissimus dorsi activation and determine how elevation angle influences that activation, with secondary analyses comparing activation of synergist muscles. Healthy, active adults with no recent shoulder, neck, or low back complaints and a Tegner Activity Score ≥5 will be recruited, and participants with BMI >25 kg/m2 will be excluded. Data will be analyzed to describe activation patterns that could inform exercise and rehabilitation strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy, active adults aged 18–40 with no shoulder, cervical, or lumbar complaints in the past 6 months, a Tegner Activity Score of 5 or higher, and a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or less.
Not a fit: People with current shoulder pain, recent neck or low back complaints, systemic or neurological disease, age outside 18–40, joint restrictions, or BMI over 25 kg/m2 would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit directly from the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians and trainers choose exercises that better engage the latissimus dorsi to support the shoulder and potentially reduce subacromial overload during overhead tasks.
How similar studies have performed: Surface EMG studies have characterized shoulder muscle activation broadly, but detailed comparisons of latissimus dorsi activation across multiple elevation angles during resisted extension are relatively limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 40, * No restriction of the glenohumeral joint, * No complaints related to the shoulder, cervical, or lumbar region in the last 6 months, * No systemic or neurological disease, * Agreeing to participate in the study, * A Tegner Activity Score of 5 or higher, Exclusion Criteria: * A body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2
Where this trial is running
Ankara, Samandag
- Hacettepe University — Ankara, Samandag, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Irem Duzgun, PhD, Professor — Hacettepe University
- Study coordinator: Irem Duzgun, Professor, PhD
- Email: iremduzgun@hacettepe.edu.tr
- Phone: 312-305 15 76
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.