Per Boettcher et al. 2008 Shoulder Right

M. Latissimus Dorsi

Latissimus Dorsi (Lat R)

The M. Latissimus Dorsi (Latissimus Dorsi) is a muscle of the shoulder region. It is responsible for retroversion, adduction, internal rotation of arm, accessory respiratory muscle (expiration). This muscle is not covered by the official SENIAM catalogue — placement is based on established clinical literature. This page documents the exact electrode position, anatomical attachments and a standardized test movement based on Hermens et al. (2000).

Function

Retroversion, adduction, internal rotation of arm, accessory respiratory muscle (expiration)

Opposite side: Lat L

Electrode position on the 3D model: M. Latissimus Dorsi (muscle highlighted, sensor in place)

Preview — open the 3D viewer to rotate the model and check neighbouring muscles. View in 3D Viewer

Electrode Placement (SENIAM)

4cm below inferior angle of scapula, halfway to spine

Orientation: Oblique, toward inferior angle–humerus

Source: Boettcher et al. 2008 ↗

Boettcher CE, Ginn KA, Cathers I. Standard maximum isometric voluntary contraction tests for normalizing shoulder muscle EMG. J Orthop Res. 2008;26(12):1591-1597.

Methodological background of the source

Boettcher et al. (2008) defined standardized maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC) tests for normalizing shoulder EMG and specified the electrode positions of the shoulder muscles studied. The position used here comes from that normalization protocol — it is designed for reproducible comparisons between sessions and subjects.

Recording notes per Criswell 2011, site „Latissimus Dorsi“, p. 341

Placement type: Specific site The signal originates predominantly from this muscle.
Signal check: Extend, adduct or medially rotate the arm.
Crosstalk from: teres major · lower trapezius
Artefacts: ECG.

Based on SENIAM recommendations (Hermens et al. 2000). Not an official SENIAM product. See all references → · How electrodes are placed (guide) · Glossary

Go deeper Which Muscles Cannot Be Measured With Surface EMG — and Why → Specific, Quasi-Specific, General — The Three Types of Surface EMG Placement →

All 47 muscle protocols as a PDF — free

Print-ready for the lab or clinic: 75 pages of protocols (SENIAM + peer-reviewed), plus the SENIAM table, a placement checklist and a sensor comparison sheet as A4 sheets.

Anatomy

Origin Proc. spinosi Th7–L5, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest, 10th–12th rib Insertion Crest of lesser tubercle of humerus

Test Movement

Pull arm from elevation downward-backward against resistance (pull-up motion)

This muscle has no SENIAM-standardized electrode position. Placement should be based on anatomical knowledge.

MVC reference test (Konrad 2005)

Position: Simulated pull-up: elbows at about 90° flexion, check a frontal and a lateral arm position.
Fixation: Fixed bar or machine; trunk stabilised.
Resistance: Pulling against the fixed bar.
Control exercise: The same set-up may also produce maxima for the biceps and the lower trapezius.

The pull-up simulation produces the highest latissimus innervation; the lower trapezius and teres major share the set-up.

Konrad P. The ABC of EMG. Noraxon; 2005, p. 31. Konrad describes this test at group level; it applies to all muscles of the group. · Why and how to normalise to MVC

Measure M. Latissimus Dorsi activity live

The electrode is placed — what next? easyEMG visualises muscle activity in real time, with SENIAM-compliant placement guidance, up to 4 channels at once and biofeedback training right afterwards.

In rehabilitation, the Latissimus Dorsi is typically recorded to track progress and retrain activation.

EMG biofeedback in physiotherapy → What is EMG biofeedback?

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I place the EMG electrode on the M. Latissimus Dorsi?

4cm below inferior angle of scapula, halfway to spine. Orientation: Oblique, toward inferior angle–humerus. Not covered by SENIAM — placement per Boettcher et al. 2008.

Which test movement activates the M. Latissimus Dorsi?

Pull arm from elevation downward-backward against resistance (pull-up motion). It serves as a signal check before recording: with correct electrode placement the EMG amplitude rises clearly during this movement.

Is the M. Latissimus Dorsi a SENIAM-recommended muscle?

No. The M. Latissimus Dorsi is not included in the official SENIAM catalogue. The electrode position documented here follows the established protocol per Boettcher et al. 2008.