Muscle ActivationL-DORSI-EMGNCT07297771
Latissimus Dorsi Activity During Different Exercises
An observational study of Muscle Activation, run by Hacettepe University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This single-visit, laboratory study will quantify latissimus dorsi activation during standardized band/body-weight exercises commonly used in rehabilitation (e.g., standing bent-over row, inferior glide, seated press-up, body-lifting). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Muscle Activation
- What is being tested?
- Exercise
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 12 Oct 2025to 25 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: Healthy, physically active adults aged 18-40 years. Eligibility requires Tegner ≥5, full glenohumeral range of motion, no shoulder/cervical/lumbar complaints in the past 6 months, and no systemic or neurological disease.
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- Body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m²
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Investigation of Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Activation During Different Exercises
This single-visit, laboratory study will quantify latissimus dorsi activation during standardized band/body-weight exercises commonly used in rehabilitation (e.g., standing bent-over row, inferior glide, seated press-up, body-lifting). Healthy, physically active adults (18-40 y; Tegner ≥5) will perform three repetitions per exercise with metronome-paced phases (≈3 s concentric, 3 s isometric, 3 s eccentric), 5-s rest between repetitions and 2-min between exercises; load will be individualized to reach OMNI RPE 6-8. Surface EMG (TeleMyo DTS; Noraxon) will be recorded from the latissimus dorsi (medial and lateral) and selected synergists (teres major, infraspinatus, posterior deltoid, triceps); electrode placement will follow SENIAM recommendations. Signals will be band-pass filtered (20-500 Hz), rectified, RMS-smoothed with a 100-ms window, and normalized to %MVIC using standardized MVC tests; exercise/MVC order will be randomized to limit bias. The primary outcome is mean normalized EMG amplitude per exercise; secondary outcomes include peak amplitude and categorical activation levels (low ≤20% MVIC, moderate 21-40%, high 41-60%, very high >60%). The study involves minimal risk (possible mild skin irritation under electrodes and transient post-exercise fatigue).
Read the detailed description
The latissimus dorsi (LD) originates from the spinous processes of the lower six thoracic vertebrae and the thoracolumbar fascia/iliac crest, and-together with the teres major-attaches to the medial lip of the intertubercular groove of the humerus. Functionally, LD contributes to shoulder adduction, internal rotation, and extension, linking the upper limb to the trunk. Alongside the rotator cuff, prevention of superior translation of the humeral head may be provided by the glenohumeral adductors (pectoralis major and LD) acting as humeral head depressors via a medio-inferior vector created by their tendon orientation. From an osteokinematic perspective, LD may protect against subacromial pain by facilitating inferior glide of the humeral head on the glenoid.
Selecting an appropriate strengthening exercise is critical to restore muscle performance and functional arm elevation in patients with shoulder injury or dysfunction. The literature emphasizes exercises targeting activation of the rotator cuff and scapulothoracic muscles that contribute to functional elevation. Surface electromyography (sEMG) is commonly used to guide exercise selection and progression by quantifying a muscle's contribution across different exercises, thereby enabling evidence-based advancement in strengthening programs.
However, much of the existing LD literature centers on lateral pull-down variations, with limited data for rehabilitation-relevant tasks such as low row, inferior glide, bent-over row (with trunk flexion), seated press-up, and body-lifting. Focusing on a single exercise limits clinical decision-making for shoulder rehabilitation (exercise selection and progression). Therefore, to support a scientific, evidence-based progression for LD strengthening in rehabilitation, this study was planned to obtain comprehensive sEMG data across multiple exercises.
Aim: To examine LD EMG activation levels during different exercises and determine between-exercise differences.
- Conditions
- Muscle Activation
- Being tested
- Exercise
- Keywords
- Latissimus Dorsi, Shoulder, Electromyography
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ExerciseBehavioural
Participants will perform six standardized pulling tasks-inferior glide, low row, seated row, bent-over row, seated press-up, and body lifting-using a resistance band or body weight. Each exercise is done for 3 repetitions with ~5 s between reps and ~2 min between exercises. Resisted exercises follow a metronome-paced 3 s concentric / 3 s isometric / 3 s eccentric tempo; purely isometric tasks are held for 3 s. Load is individualized with the OMNI 0-10 scale and increased during up to 10 familiarization reps until perceived exertion reaches 6-8/10. Exercise order is randomized to minimize ordering effects.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy adults | Single-visit laboratory cohort. Physically active adults perform exercises; surface EMG is recorded from the latissimus dorsi Receives: Behavioral: Exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Electromyography
Surface EMG from the latissimus dorsi (medial and lateral sites) will be recorded with an 8-channel system (TeleMyo DTS; Noraxon). Skin will be shaved and cleaned with 70% isopropyl alcohol; bipolar Ag/AgCl electrodes will be placed per SENIAM with a 2 cm inter-electrode distance (MLD ~lateral to T9; LLD ~4 cm inferior to the scapular inferior angle, midway between the spine and lateral trunk). A synchronized video (Logitech C920) will mark movement onset/offset and will be deleted after analysis (no copies kept). Signals will be normalized to %MVIC using three 5-s MVIC trials (30-s rest between trials; ~2-min between muscles) performed in standardized positions with verbal encouragement. The outcome is the mean %MVIC during the steady phase of each exercise.
Measured: Baseline (Day 1)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Electromyography-Other muscles
Surface EMG will also be recorded from teres major, infraspinatus, posterior deltoid, and triceps using the same preparation, SENIAM-based placement, and processing/normalization procedures described above. The outcome is the mean normalized EMG amplitude (%MVIC) during the steady phase of each exercise (isometric: central 3-s window; resisted: concentric 3 sec -isometric 3 sec- eccentric 3 sec).
Measured: Baseline (Day 1)
Activity Level
Baseline physical activity will be characterized using the Tegner Activity Scale (0-10) prior to testing; higher scores indicate greater habitual activity.
Measured: Baseline (Day 1)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Dec 2025
- Study start12 Oct 2025
- Primary completion25 Feb 2026
- Study completion25 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Muscle ActivationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Hacettepe University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Irem Duzgun, Hacettepe University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07297771
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- LDORSI-EMG
- Acronym
- L-DORSI-EMG
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 9 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 27 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: No individual participant data (IPD) will be shared. De-identified aggregate results will be disseminated in publications. The dataset includes physiological signals; synchronized videos are deleted after analysis.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Activation During Different Exercises
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07297771
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- L-DORSI-EMG / LDORSI-EMG
- Conditions
- Muscle Activation
- Keywords
- Latissimus Dorsi, Shoulder, Electromyography
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Hacettepe UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 12 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 22 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This single-visit, laboratory study will quantify latissimus dorsi activation during standardized band/body-weight exercises commonly used in rehabilitation (e.g., standing bent-over row, inferior glide, seated press-up, body-lifting). Healthy, physically active adults (18-40 y; Tegner ≥5) will perform three repetitions per exercise with metronome-paced phases (≈3 s concentric, 3 s isometric, 3 s eccentric), 5-s rest between repetitions and 2-min between exercises; load will be individualized to reach OMNI RPE 6-8. Surface EMG (TeleMyo DTS; Noraxon) will be recorded from the latissimus dorsi (medial and lateral) and selected synergists (teres major, infraspinatus, posterior deltoid, triceps); electrode placement will follow SENIAM recommendations. Signals will be band-pass filtered (20-500 Hz), rectified, RMS-smoothed with a 100-ms window, and normalized to %MVIC using standardized MVC tests; exercise/MVC order will be randomized to limit bias. The primary outcome is mean normalized EMG amplitude per exercise; secondary outcomes include peak amplitude and categorical activation levels (low ≤20% MVIC, moderate 21-40%, high 41-60%, very high >60%). The study involves minimal risk (possible mild skin irritation under electrodes and transient post-exercise fatigue).
Detailed description
The latissimus dorsi (LD) originates from the spinous processes of the lower six thoracic vertebrae and the thoracolumbar fascia/iliac crest, and-together with the teres major-attaches to the medial lip of the intertubercular groove of the humerus. Functionally, LD contributes to shoulder adduction, internal rotation, and extension, linking the upper limb to the trunk. Alongside the rotator cuff, prevention of superior translation of the humeral head may be provided by the glenohumeral adductors (pectoralis major and LD) acting as humeral head depressors via a medio-inferior vector created by their tendon orientation. From an osteokinematic perspective, LD may protect against subacromial pain by facilitating inferior glide of the humeral head on the glenoid.
Selecting an appropriate strengthening exercise is critical to restore muscle performance and functional arm elevation in patients with shoulder injury or dysfunction. The literature emphasizes exercises targeting activation of the rotator cuff and scapulothoracic muscles that contribute to functional elevation. Surface electromyography (sEMG) is commonly used to guide exercise selection and progression by quantifying a muscle's contribution across different exercises, thereby enabling evidence-based advancement in strengthening programs.
However, much of the existing LD literature centers on lateral pull-down variations, with limited data for rehabilitation-relevant tasks such as low row, inferior glide, bent-over row (with trunk flexion), seated press-up, and body-lifting. Focusing on a single exercise limits clinical decision-making for shoulder rehabilitation (exercise selection and progression). Therefore, to support a scientific, evidence-based progression for LD strengthening in rehabilitation, this study was planned to obtain comprehensive sEMG data across multiple exercises.
Aim: To examine LD EMG activation levels during different exercises and determine between-exercise differences.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy adults | – | Behavioral: ExerciseSingle-visit laboratory cohort. Physically active adults perform exercises; surface EMG is recorded from the latissimus dorsi |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Healthy, physically active adults aged 18-40 years. Eligibility requires Tegner ≥5, full glenohumeral range of motion, no shoulder/cervical/lumbar complaints in the past 6 months, and no systemic or neurological disease.
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m²
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| ExerciseParticipants will perform six standardized pulling tasks-inferior glide, low row, seated row, bent-over row, seated press-up, and body lifting-using a resistance band or body weight. Each exercise is done for 3 repetitions with ~5 s between reps and ~2 min between exercises. Resisted exercises follow a metronome-paced 3 s concentric / 3 s isometric / 3 s eccentric tempo; purely isometric tasks are held for 3 s. Load is individualized with the OMNI 0-10 scale and increased during up to 10 familiarization reps until perceived exertion reaches 6-8/10. Exercise order is randomized to minimize ordering effects. | Behavioural | Healthy adults |
Primary outcome
Electromyography
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1)
Surface EMG from the latissimus dorsi (medial and lateral sites) will be recorded with an 8-channel system (TeleMyo DTS; Noraxon). Skin will be shaved and cleaned with 70% isopropyl alcohol; bipolar Ag/AgCl electrodes will be placed per SENIAM with a 2 cm inter-electrode distance (MLD ~lateral to T9; LLD ~4 cm inferior to the scapular inferior angle, midway between the spine and lateral trunk). A synchronized video (Logitech C920) will mark movement onset/offset and will be deleted after analysis (no copies kept). Signals will be normalized to %MVIC using three 5-s MVIC trials (30-s rest between trials; ~2-min between muscles) performed in standardized positions with verbal encouragement. The outcome is the mean %MVIC during the steady phase of each exercise.
2 secondary outcomes
Electromyography-Other muscles
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1)
Activity Level
Time frame: Baseline (Day 1)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 27 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. No individual participant data (IPD) will be shared. De-identified aggregate results will be disseminated in publications. The dataset includes physiological signals; synchronized videos are deleted after analysis.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Muscle Activation, run by Hacettepe University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Electromyography (time frame: Baseline (Day 1)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Oct 2026.