Per Ekstrom et al. 2003 Shoulder Specific site

M. Serratus Anterior

Serratus Anterior (Serr Ant R)

Electrode placement (Ekstrom et al. 2003)

Horizontally over 6th rib, below axilla

OrientationHorizontal, anterior to axillary line

Show on the 3D model Source: Ekstrom et al. 2003 ↗ · Recording notes

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

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

Recording notes & source

per Criswell 2011, site „Serratus Anterior (Lower Fibers)“, p. 297

Placement type: Specific site The signal originates predominantly from this muscle.
Signal check: Forward flexion of the arms, shoulder protraction, push-ups.
Crosstalk from: latissimus dorsi · intercostal muscles · costal portion of pectoralis
Artefacts: ECG and respiration.

Print as a session sheet · A4 with landmarks, signal check and MVC test

Source: Ekstrom et al. 2003 ↗

Ekstrom RA, Donatelli RA, Soderberg GL. Surface electromyographic analysis of exercises for the trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2003;33(5):247-258.

Methodological background of the source

Ekstrom et al. (2003) used surface EMG to compare trapezius and serratus anterior activation across common rehabilitation exercises. The electrode position from this study has since been widely adopted in shoulder rehabilitation because it was validated specifically for exercise selection in scapular dyskinesis.

Based on SENIAM recommendations (Hermens et al. 2000). Not an official SENIAM product. See all references → · SENIAM reference table · 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 49 muscle protocols as a PDF — free

Print-ready for the lab or clinic: 77 pages of protocols (SENIAM + peer-reviewed), plus the SENIAM table, a placement checklist and a sensor comparison sheet as A4 sheets.

Anatomy & Function

The M. Serratus Anterior (Serratus Anterior) is a muscle of the shoulder region. It is responsible for protraction and upward rotation of scapula, stabilization against thorax. 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 Protraction and upward rotation of scapula, stabilization against thorax Origin 1st–9th rib (outer surface) Insertion Medial border of scapula (ventral surface) Innervation Long thoracic nerve, C5–C7

Innervation after Perotto AO, Anatomical Guide for the Electromyographer, 5th ed. 2011 — an anatomical reference, not an electrode placement recommendation.

Test Movement

Push-up plus (scapular protraction) or push arm forward

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

Measure M. Serratus Anterior 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 Serratus Anterior is typically recorded to track progress and retrain activation.

EMG biofeedback in physiotherapy → What is EMG biofeedback? PicoBlue sensors

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I place the EMG electrode on the M. Serratus Anterior?

Horizontally over 6th rib, below axilla. Orientation: Horizontal, anterior to axillary line. Not covered by SENIAM — placement per Ekstrom et al. 2003.

Which test movement activates the M. Serratus Anterior?

Push-up plus (scapular protraction) or push arm forward. It serves as a signal check before recording: with correct electrode placement the EMG amplitude rises clearly during this movement.

Is the M. Serratus Anterior a SENIAM-recommended muscle?

No. The M. Serratus Anterior is not included in the official SENIAM catalogue. The electrode position documented here follows the established protocol per Ekstrom et al. 2003.