Clinical Research Directory

Latissimus Dorsi Activity 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).

Latissimus Dorsi Activation During Shoulder Extension Exercises

This observational, cross-sectional laboratory study at Hacettepe University will examine surface EMG activation of the latissimus dorsi during resisted, dynamic shoulder extension performed at three shoulder flexion angles (30°,60°, 90°, 120°). The primary objective is to quantify latissimus dorsi activation and to determine how elevation angle influences activation; secondary analyses compare synergists.

Schroth and Scapular Muscle Activation in Hyperkyphosis

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of Schroth exercises on scapular muscle activation in children with thoracic hyperkyphosis. A total of 56 participants will be randomly assigned to either the Schroth exercise group or the control group receiving postural education. The intervention group will complete an 8-week supervised Schroth program focusing on three-dimensional correction, rotational breathing, and postural awareness. Primary outcome is scapular muscle activation measured by surface EMG. Secondary outcomes include muscle strength, scapular endurance, kyphotic appearance, posture, and pain. The results will guide clinical management and preventive strategies for children with postural thoracic hyperkyphosis.