Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
07:07
A Novel Scalp Acupuncture-based Method to Target the Hand Motor Hotspot for Non-invasive Brain Stimulation
Published on: December 19, 2025
419
Motor point map of upper body muscles
M Behringer1, A Franz, M McCourt
1Institute of Training Science and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany, behringer@dshs-koeln.de.
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|April 30, 2014
Summary
This study mapped upper body motor points (MPs) in 30 adults, identifying 31 distinct positions per side. The findings provide a precise atlas for improving neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy and training.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Accurate identification of motor points (MPs) is crucial for effective neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).
- Previous research has lacked a systematic mapping of upper body MPs.
- Variability in MP location can impact therapeutic outcomes and training efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate and map the upper body motor point (MP) positions of selected muscles.
- To create a comprehensive atlas of identified MPs for anatomical and clinical reference.
- To provide data that can enhance the precision of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applications.
Main Methods:
- Bilateral MP identification in 30 healthy adults (15 male, 15 female) using a pen electrode.
- Low stimulation frequency (3 Hz) and current amplitude (<10 mA) were employed.
- Investigated muscles included biceps brachii, triceps brachii, deltoideus, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae (lumbar), pectoralis minor/major, and rectus abdominis.
Main Results:
- A total of 1,563 MPs were identified, clustering into 31 distinct positions per side.
- MP distribution varied by muscle, with notable homogeneity in upper limb and lower back muscles.
- High inter-individual symmetry of MPs was observed between the left and right sides of the body (r = 0.96).
Conclusions:
- The created MP atlas offers precise anatomical data for targeted NMES.
- Physiotherapists can utilize this map to optimize NMES therapy protocols.
- Conditioning specialists can enhance training programs by applying precise stimulation based on these findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Arteries of the Upper Limbs
3.3K
The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...
3.3K
00:46Motor Units
53.8K
A motor unit consists of two main components: a single efferent motor neuron (i.e., a neuron that carries impulses away from the central nervous system) and all of the muscle fibers it innervates. The motor neuron may innervate multiple muscle fibers, which are single cells, but only one motor neuron innervates a single muscle fiber.
53.8K
01:13Motor Units
14.2K
The motor unit is a fundamental component of the neuromuscular system and plays a crucial role in coordinating muscle contractions. It consists of a somatic motor neuron, which connects and controls multiple skeletal muscle fibers, forming a single functional segment. The axon of the motor neuron branches out and establishes synaptic connections known as neuromuscular junctions with individual muscle fibers within the motor unit.
Motor units come in different sizes, with smaller units...
Motor units come in different sizes, with smaller units...
14.2K
01:16Muscles that Move the Forearm
6.1K
The muscles that move the forearms can be divided into four groups: forearm flexors, forearm extensors, forearm pronators, and forearm supinators. The flexors and extensors act on the elbow joint, while the pronators and supinators act on the radioulnar joints.
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
6.1K
01:31Muscles that Move the Arm
5.5K
Nine muscles are involved in arm movements. Two of these, the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi, originate from the axial skeleton and are called axial muscles. The other seven originate from the scapula and are called the scapular muscles.
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
The pectoralis major has two origins. Its clavicular head originates on the medial half of the clavicle. In contrast, the sternocostal head originates on the costal cartilages of ribs 1-6, the sternum, and the aponeurosis of the external oblique of the...
5.5K
01:19Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus
11.3K
The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
11.3K