Electromyographic analysis of the back muscles during various back exercises

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare electromyographic (EMG) responses in the middle trapezius, lower trapezius, infraspinatus, latissimus dorsi, and erector spinae during eight back exercises to determine which produces the greatest muscle activation for each muscle. Nineteen males completed five repetitions of the following exercises using 70% of 1 RM, or body weight resistance: lat pull-downs, inverted rows, seated rows, bent-over rows, TRX rows, I-Y-T raises, pull-ups, and chin-ups. Surface EMG was represented as a percent of the maximal voluntary contraction. A one-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to test for differences between exercises. Greatest activation of the middle trapezius was found with I-Y-T raises, bent-overs, seated, and inverted rows. Greatest activation of the lower trapezius was found with I-Y-T raises. Greatest activation of the latissimus dorsi was found with pull-ups and chin-ups. Greatest activation of the infraspinatus was found with pull-ups, chin-ups, I-Y-T raises, bentovers, and inverted rows. Based on the musculature of the back and the findings of this study, a variety of exercises are needed to effectively train the entire back.