Investigation of Activation of Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Segments During Functional Reach Activity in Chronic Stroke Patients

Stroke

latissimus dorsi, stroke, electromyography, reaching activity, muscle activation

Latissimus Dorsi (LD); Medial sacrum, lumbar vertebrae and lower thoracic vertebrae 10-12 lateral to the spinous processus. It is a fan-like wide muscle that connects to the inferior angle of the scapula and ribs, adheres to the anterior surface of the proximal humerus and continues with aponeurosis of the contralateral Gluteus Maximus below. The activation of the LD muscle during the functional reach activity, which we use most frequently in daily living activities, affects the upper extremity and trunk movements. Therefore it is important muscle that affects the quality of movement. The study include individuals with stroke that diagnosed by the neurologist and include healthy subjects. During sitting activity, they will be required to reach three different distances in the sagittal and scapular plane: arm length, 125% of the arm length and end point where it can reach the modified functional reach test. During the activity, electromyography (EMG) activation of latissimus dorsi, anterior deltoid and erector spina muscles will be examined with electromyographic device. Hypothesis originating from the investigation: H1: Latissimus dorsi muscle segments show different activation during functional reach activity. H2: Activation of latissimus dorsi muscle segments is affected by reaching direction during functional reach activity. H3: Activation of latissimus dorsi muscle segments is affected by reaching distance during functional reach activity.

Measurements will be made during the sitting activity of the individuals included in the study. Individuals will be asked to reach midsternal height cups in two separate planes, sagittal and scapular, at arm's end, 125% of arm's distance and end point where it can reach according to modified functional reach test. Muscle activation of latissimus dorsi, erector spina and anterior deltoid muscles will be measured by superficial electromyographic measurement. Muscle activation according to SENIAM for erector spina and anterior deltoid will be evaluated. For latissimus dorsi, activation will be measured in six segments separated according to anatomic dissection. Reach activity will be performed 3 times on each side and at 1 minute intervals.

Turkey (Türkiye)