Author(s): PADOVAN, R., TONINELLI, N., LONGO, S., TORNATORE, G., ESPOSITO, F., CÈ, E., CORATELLA, G., Institution: UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI MILANO, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 873

INTRODUCTION:
The current study compared the spatial excitation of the primary muscles during lat pull down with the bar passing in front (front-LPD) or behind the neck (back-LPD) using high-density electromyography.
METHODS:
Fourteen resistance trained men performed front-LPD or back-LPD with in a non-fatiguing set with 8-RM as external load. The muscle excitation centroid of latissimus dorsi, middle trapezius, pectoralis major, biceps brachii, triceps brachii and posterior deltoid were recorded during the ascending and descending phase.
RESULTS:
During the descending phase, front-LPD showed superior excitation of latissimus dorsi (ES = 0.97) and pectoralis major (ES = 1.17), while in the ascending phase, back-LPD exhibited superior excitation of latissimus dorsi (ES = 0.63), and front-LPD showed superior excitation of biceps brachii (ES = 0.41) and posterior deltoid (ES = 1.77). During the descending phase, front-LPD showed a more lateral centroid of latissimus dorsi (ES = 0.60), biceps brachii (ES = 0.63) and triceps brachii (ES = 0.98), while the centroid was more medial for middle trapezius (ES = 0.58). The centroid of middle trapezius was also more medial in front-LPD during the ascending phase (ES = 0.85). The pectoralis major centroid was more cranial in front-LPD for both the descending (ES = 1.58) and the ascending phase (ES = 0.88).
CONCLUSION:
Front-LPD appears to provide an overall greater amount excitation in the prime movers. However, distinct spatial excitation patterns were observed, making exercise suitable for the training routine.