Per Król et al. 2007 Shoulder Left

M. Pectoralis Major Pars Clavicularis

Pectoralis Major (Clavicular Head) (Pec Clav L)

The M. Pectoralis Major Pars Clavicularis (Pectoralis Major (Clavicular Head)) is a muscle of the shoulder region. It is responsible for anteversion, adduction, internal rotation at shoulder joint. 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

Anteversion, adduction, internal rotation at shoulder joint

Opposite side: Pec Clav R

Electrode position on the 3D model: M. Pectoralis Major Pars Clavicularis (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)

Over the pars clavicularis, close to the sternum - of three sites compared, the medial one yielded the highest activity

Orientation: Along the muscle fibres, 2 cm inter-electrode distance

Source: Król et al. 2007 ↗

Król H, Sobota G, Nawrat A. Effect of electrode position on EMG recording in pectoralis major. J Hum Kinet. 2007;17:105-112.

Methodological background of the source

Król et al. (2007) specifically investigated how strongly electrode position affects the EMG signal of the pectoralis major. The muscle consists of three portions (clavicular, sternocostal, abdominal) with different fibre directions — the study shows that each portion needs its own electrode location. That portion-specific position is documented here.

Recording notes per Criswell 2011, site „Pectoralis Major (Clavicular and Sternal)“, p. 307

Placement type: Specific site The signal originates predominantly from this muscle.
Signal check: Flex the arm, abduct above 90°, medially rotate or horizontally adduct.
Crosstalk from: anterior deltoid · sternocostal portion of pectoralis major · pectoralis minor
Artefacts: ECG (especially on the left side).

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 Medial half of clavicle Insertion Crest of greater tubercle of humerus

Test Movement

Horizontal adduction of arm at 90 degrees flexion against resistance

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

Detail: sensor on the M. Pectoralis Major Pars Clavicularis — Illustration shows the left side; the set-up is mirrored for the right side.

MVC reference test (Konrad 2005)

Position: Prone on a bench pressing against a fixed long bar, or a push-up position; both at 90° elbow flexion. Seated alternative: both hands press a rigid block in front of the chest.
Fixation: Very good shoulder and back support is the decisive factor in every variant.
Resistance: Fixed bar (prone) or the floor (push-up); pressing / horizontal adduction against it.
Control exercise: The pectoralis test is itself the control exercise for the triceps.

Konrad: numerous test positions are possible; the bar and push-up variants are the easiest to arrange. Compare the clavicular, sternocostal and abdominal parts in different arm angles.

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. Pectoralis Major Pars Clavicularis 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 Pectoralis Major (Clavicular Head) 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. Pectoralis Major Pars Clavicularis?

Over the pars clavicularis, close to the sternum - of three sites compared, the medial one yielded the highest activity. Orientation: Along the muscle fibres, 2 cm inter-electrode distance. Not covered by SENIAM — placement per Król et al. 2007.

Which test movement activates the M. Pectoralis Major Pars Clavicularis?

Horizontal adduction of arm at 90 degrees flexion against resistance. It serves as a signal check before recording: with correct electrode placement the EMG amplitude rises clearly during this movement.

Is the M. Pectoralis Major Pars Clavicularis a SENIAM-recommended muscle?

No. The M. Pectoralis Major Pars Clavicularis is not included in the official SENIAM catalogue. The electrode position documented here follows the established protocol per Król et al. 2007.