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Measurement of Spatial Stability in Precision Grip
Published on: June 4, 2020
Grip width and forearm orientation effects on muscle activity during the lat pull-down.
Stephen J Lusk1, Bruce D Hale, Daniel M Russell
1Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University-Berks, Reading, Pennsylvania.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|June 15, 2010
Summary
The pronated grip maximizes latissimus dorsi (LD) activation during anterior lat pull-downs (LPD), regardless of grip width. This finding helps optimize LPD exercises for greater back muscle engagement.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
Background:
- Previous electromyographic (EMG) studies recommended a wide, pronated grip for anterior lat pull-downs (LPD) to maximize latissimus dorsi (LD) strengthening.
- The specific contribution of grip width versus forearm pronation to this optimal activation remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate the effects of grip width and forearm orientation on muscle activation during anterior LPD.
- To determine the optimal grip variation for maximizing LD activation.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy men performed anterior LPD with four grip variations: wide-pronated, wide-supinated, narrow-pronated, and narrow-supinated.
- Muscle activity of the LD, middle trapezius (MT), and biceps brachii (BB) was measured using surface EMG at 70% of 1RM.
- Grip widths were individualized to carrying width (wide) and biacromial diameter (narrow).
Main Results:
- A pronated grip significantly increased LD activation compared to a supinated grip (p < 0.05).
- Grip width did not influence LD activation.
- Neither grip width nor orientation affected MT and BB muscle activity.
Conclusions:
- An anterior LPD with a pronated grip is recommended for maximal LD activation.
- The effectiveness of the pronated grip for LD activation is independent of grip width in anterior LPD exercises.
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