Electrode Placement (SENIAM)
2/3 on line from trigonum spinae to T8
Orientation: Toward trigonum spinae–Th8
Source:
SENIAM (Hermens 2000) ↗
Hermens HJ, Freriks B, Disselhorst-Klug C, Rau G. Development of recommendations for SEMG sensors and sensor placement procedures. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2000;10(5):361-74.
Recording notes per Criswell 2011, site „Lower Interscapular (Lower Trapezius)“, p. 293
- Placement type
- Quasi-specific site Neighbouring muscles contribute noticeably to the signal — allow for crosstalk.
- Signal check
- Abduct the arms; retract the shoulder back and down at 45°.
- Crosstalk from
- middle trapezius · rhomboids · erector spinae
- Artefacts
- ECG and breathing.
Based on SENIAM recommendations (Hermens et al. 2000). Not an official SENIAM product. See all references →
· How electrodes are placed (guide)
· Glossary
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 Th5–Th12
Insertion
Spine of scapula (medial third)
Test Movement
Raise arm overhead, scapula depresses downward-medially
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
Clinical Applications
Common use cases for surface EMG measurement of the M. Trapezius Pars Ascendens:
- Rotator cuff rehabilitation
- Impingement syndrome biofeedback
- Pre-/post-surgical shoulder assessment
Measure M. Trapezius Pars Ascendens 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 Lower Trapezius is typically recorded to track progress and retrain activation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I place the EMG electrode on the M. Trapezius Pars Ascendens?
2/3 on line from trigonum spinae to T8. Orientation: Toward trigonum spinae–Th8. Based on the official SENIAM recommendations (Hermens et al. 2000).
Which test movement activates the M. Trapezius Pars Ascendens?
Raise arm overhead, scapula depresses downward-medially. This movement is part of the SENIAM protocol for standardized contraction verification.
Is the M. Trapezius Pars Ascendens a SENIAM-recommended muscle?
Yes. The M. Trapezius Pars Ascendens is one of 26 muscles for which the SENIAM project has published official surface EMG electrode placement recommendations.
Related Muscles in This Region
Preview — open the 3D viewer to rotate the model and check neighbouring muscles.
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