EFFECTS OF GRIP WIDTH ON MUSCLE STRENGTH ACTIVATION IN THE LAT PULL-DOWN VIDAR ANDERSEN,1 MARIUS S. FIMLAND,2,3 ESPEN WIIK,1 ANDERS SKOGLUND,1 ATLE H. SAETERBAKKEN1

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Faculty of Teacher Education and Sport, Sogn og Fjordane University College, Sogndal, Norway; 2Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; and 3 Hysnes Rehabilitation Center, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway ABSTRACT Andersen, V, Fimland, MS, Wiik, E, Skoglund, A, and Saeterbakken, AH. Effects of grip width on muscle strength and activation in the lat pull-down. J Strength Cond Res 28(4): 1135–1142, 2014— The lat pull-down is one of the most popular compound back exercises. Still, it is a general belief that a wider grip activates the latissimus dorsi more than a narrow one, but without any broad scientific support. The aim of the study was to compare 6 repetition maximum (6RM) load and electromyographic (EMG) activity in the lat pull-down using 3 different pronated grip widths. Fifteen men performed 6RM in the lat pull-down with narrow, medium, and wide grips (1, 1.5, and 2 times the biacromial distance) in a randomized and counterbalanced order. The 6RM strengths with narrow (80.3 6 7.2 kg) and medium grip (80 6 7.1 kg) were higher than wide grip (77.3 6 6.3 kg; p = 0.02). There was similar EMG activation between grip widths for latissimus, trapezius, or infraspinatus, but a tendency for biceps brachii activation to be greater for medium vs. narrow (p = 0.09), when the entire movement was analyzed. Analyzing the concentric phase separately revealed greater biceps brachii activation using the medium vs. narrow grip (p = 0.03). In the eccentric phase, there was greater activation using wide vs. narrow grip for latissimus and infraspinatus (p # 0.04), and tendencies for medium greater than narrow for latissimus, and medium greater than wide for biceps (both p = 0.08), was observed. Collectively, a medium grip may have some minor advantages over small and wide grips; however, athletes and others engaged in resistance training can generally expect similar muscle activation which in turn should result in similar hypertrophy gains with a grip width that is 1–2 times the biacromial distance.

KEY WORDS EMG, resistance training, biceps brachii, latissimus dorsi

Address correspondence to Vidar Andersen, [email protected]. 28(4)/1135–1142 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Ó 2014 National Strength and Conditioning Association

INTRODUCTION

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ppropriate exercise selection is critical to achieve the aims of any resistance training program. One of the most popular exercises for the back muscles is the lat pull-down. Being a 2-joint exercise consisting of an adduction in the shoulder and a flexion in the elbow, the lat pull-down involves several muscles in the upper body, although it is primarily used to train the latissimus dorsi (11). This strength exercise has similarities to movements in sports such as climbing, different strokes in swimming, and performing the rings in gymnastics (21). There seems to be a general belief among trainers that a wide grip activates the latissimus dorsi more than a narrow one; however, this relies more on a myth than scientific research (3). Training regimens based on beliefs instead of scientific evidence could lead to suboptimal gains. There have been several studies examining the muscle activation during different variations of the lat pull-down (8,10,11,21,22,24). However, to our knowledge, only 1 study examined the differences in muscle activations between different grip widths in the pronated, anterior pull-down (11), which is the most common version of the exercise (3,21). Lusk et al. (11) examined muscle activation in the pull-down with 4 different grip variations; wide and narrow pronated and supinated grip. Two sets of 5 repetitions at 70% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) were performed with each grip. Lusk et al. (11) reported similar muscle activation in latissimus dorsi, the middle trapezius, and the biceps brachii between wide and narrow pronated grips. However, although not entirely comparable, Signorile et al. (21) found a higher activation of the latissimus dorsi with a wide anterior grip compared with other grips (close grip, supinated grip, and wide posterior grip) using 10RM-loads. The effects of pronated grip widths in the anterior lat pulldown are not yet fully determined: The study by Lusk et al. only assessed 2 grip widths and had no familiarization session before the 1RM test. Also, the participants used the same absolute rather than relative load in all the different grips, and finally the sets were not performed until or close to failure. The 2 latter methodological limitations make it difficult to transfer the findings to real life training as intensity usually is VOLUME 28 | NUMBER 4 | APRIL 2014 |

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Comparison of Loading and Muscle Activity in Lat Pull-Down

Figure 1. Different grip widths in the lat pull-down: wide (A), medium (B), and narrow (C).

Figure 2. Start (A) and stop (B) of the concentric phase in the lat pull-down.

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prescribed relative to muscular strength in the trained exercise, and people engaged in resistance training usually perform exercises (close) to failure. The importance of using equal relative loads when comparing different exercises is emphasized in several recent original studies (17,15,16,19) and a recent review (5). As the results of previous studies are conflicting, suffer from various methodological limitations, and have not assessed the effects of grip widths for the lat pull-down as extensively as this investigation, the aim of the study was to compare the 6RM load and electromyographic (EMG) activity in the lat-pull down using 3 different grip widths. Our hypothesis was that using the same relative load would provide similar muscle activations, but that the 6RM load would decrease with increasing grip

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Figure 3. Normalized electromyographic activation of the whole movement (A), the concentric phase (B), and the eccentric phase (C) of the biceps brachii, latissimus dorsi, trapezius, and infraspinatus during 6RM in the lat pull-down performed with 3 different grip widths. Values are given as mean 6 SD.

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Comparison of Loading and Muscle Activity in Lat Pull-Down widths because the lever arm increases when the grip becomes wider.

METHODS Experimental Approach to the Problem

A within-participant repeated-measures design was used to examine the 6RM strength and concomitant EMG activity in anterior lat pull-down using narrow, medium, and wide pronated grip widths, defined as 1, 1.5, and 2 times the bi acromial distance (BAD), respectively (Figure 1). The participants took part in 1 session approximately 1 week before the experimental test to familiarize the participants with the procedures and identify the 6RM load for the different grip widths. The exercise test order was randomized and counterbalanced for each participant and was identical in the habituation and experimental tests. To simulate a set in a typical workout, the participants performed a 6RM test (1,4,9), which corresponds to approximately 85% of 1RM (3) and is a recommended intensity for increasing muscle strength and hypertrophy (2,14). By using equal relative load for each exercise with heavy loads performed to volitional failure, we can assess the practical significance of how the independent variable, grip width, affects the dependent variable, muscle activation. This is important knowledge for athletes and coaches.

iarity with the exercise, injury or illness that might reduce maximal effort, pain during testing or less than 6 months of resistance training experience (11,17). One person dropped out without giving any further reason; so, a total number of 15 participants completed the study. The participants were instructed to refrain from any additional resistance training targeting the upper body 48 hours before testing. The subjects were instructed to maintain their normal diet, hydration, and sleeping habits during the experiment. Before the habituation session, all participants provided informed written consent. Ethical approval was obtained from the regional research ethics committee and conformed to the latest revision of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study had approval by the Institutional Review Board, and all appropriate consent pursuant to law was obtained before the start of the study. Experimental Testing

The habituation and strength testing session took place during the spring of 2012. First, the BAD was measured. Each participant stood up against a whiteboard while the acromion was palpated at both sides and marked at the whiteboard. The BAD was defined as the distance between the 2 marks (10). After a progressive warm-up (13,19), consisting of 10 repetitions at estimated 20% of 6RM, 6 repetitions at 50% of approximately 6RM, and 4 repetitions at 85% of approximately 6RM, Subjects the 6RM attempts were started. The start load was set at Sixteen healthy (age, 24 6 4 years; body mass, 81 6 8 kg; approximately 90–95% of estimated 6RM and increased by stature, 180 6 1 cm; and BAD, 34.6 6 2.2 cm) resistance2.5 or 5 kg until 6RM was achieved (2–4 attempts). trained (experience, 6 6 3 years) men volunteered for the One week later, the experimental testing took place. The study. Exclusion criteria were musculoskeletal pain, unfamiltesting time of the day was at the convenience of the participants, but always between 10 AM. and 6 PM. The warm-up was conducted as described above. Next, 6RM of each of the 3 exercises was performed in a randomized and counterbalanced manner with concomitant recordings of EMG, bar displacement, and angle movements (described below). Each repetition started with the arms was fully extended and was complete when the bar was below the chin (Figures 2A, B). Three to 5 minutes of rest was given between each attempt (6,20). In the case of an unsuccessful series, the load was slightly reduced, or longer rest periods were given. The participants had to retract their scapulas Figure 4. Six repetition maximum loads in the lat pull-down performed with 3 different grip widths. Values are and were instructed given as mean 6 SD. to minimize the movement of

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17.9 6 4,0 194 6 24

7.2 6 1.5 199 6 22

9.2 6 2.5 201 6 22

16.9 6 3.6 200 6 32

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*Values are given as mean 6 SD. †Con. = concentric phase; Ecc. = eccentric phase; Total = concentric and eccentric phases.

9.7 6 2.7 197 6 20 7.8 6 1.6 195 6 20 9.2 6 2.2 198 6 21 Lifting time (s) Hip angle (in degrees)

7.9 6 1.8 196 6 21

17.5 6 3.7 196 6 26

Ecc. Ecc. Con.†

Total

Con.

Ecc.

Total

Con.

Wide grip Medium grip

The skin was prepared (shaved, washed with alcohol, and abraded) for the placement of gel coated self-adhesive electrodes (Dri-Stick Silver circular sEMG Electrodes AE131; NeuroDyne Medical, Cambridge, MA, USA) before the experimental tests (11,21). The electrodes (11-mm contact diameter) were placed along the presumed direction of the underlying muscle fibre with center-to-center distance of 2 cm on the 4 muscles (biceps brachii, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, and infraspinatus) according to the recommendations by SENIAM (7). The electrodes were placed on the dominant side of the participants (17,18). To minimize noise induced from external sources through the signal cables, the raw EMG signal was amplified and filtered using a preamplifier located as near the pickup point as possible. The preamplifier had a common mode rejection ratio of 100 dB. The raw EMG signal was then band-pass filtered (fourth-order Butterworth filter) 8–600 Hz. The filtered EMG signals were converted to root mean square (RMS) signals using a hardware circuit network (frequency response 0–600 kHz, averaging constant 100 ms, total error 60.5%). Finally, the RMS converted signal was sampled at 100 Hz using a 16-bit A/D converter (AD637). A commercial software (MuscleLab V8.13; Ergotest Technology AS) was used to analyze the stored EMG data. The mean of each concentric, eccentric, and entire repetition of the first to sixth repetitions was used to calculate the RMS EMG. All EMG data were normalized to the best (highest EMG activity) of 2 isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) before the experimental test. The MVCs were performed with the medium grip at 908 angle in the elbow joint with 60-second rest between the attempts. Each MVC lasted for 3 seconds (10,12).

Narrow grip

Electromyographic Measurements

TABLE 1. Lifting time and hip angle in narrow, medium, and wide grips during 6RM in the lat pull-down.*

their truncus and hip. In the beginning of the lift, when the arms were straight, no movement of the truncus was allowed. In the end of the concentric phase, as the bar approached the chin, a minor movement in the hip was accepted, so that participants would be able to perform the exercise in the way they were used to. To control the movement in the hip, a twin-axis goniometer (SS21L; Biopac System, Inc., Goletta, CA, USA) was placed along the femur and truncus. The accuracy of the goniometer was 628 measured over 908. The participants were instructed to lift in a controlled and moderate tempo, but were not allowed to shorten the lifting distance by lifting their chin (Figure 2B). A linear encoder (Ergotest Technology AS, Langesund, Norway, sampling frequency of 100 Hz) was used to control the lifting time and identify the beginning and end of the concentric and eccentric lifting phases. The linear encoder and the goniometer were synchronized with the EMG recording system (MuscleLab 4020e; Ergotest Technology AS). To analyze the vertical position, lifting time, and hip angle, a commercial software (MuscleLab V8.13; Ergotest Technology AS) was used.

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Comparison of Loading and Muscle Activity in Lat Pull-Down Statistical Analyses

To analyze the influence of the independent variable (grip width), 2-way ([3 grip widths 3 4 muscles] and [3 grip widths 3 6RM load]) repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences in the 2 dependent variables (muscle EMG amplitude and 6RM load). When differences were detected by ANOVA, paired t-test with Bonferroni post hoc corrections were applied to determine where the differences lay. Differences in load, lifting time, and hip angle were assessed with 1-way repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc corrections for multiple group comparisons. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 17.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). All results were presented as means 6 SDs and Cohen’s d effect size (ES). An ES of 0.2 was considered small, 0.5 as medium, and 0.8 as large. Statistical significance was accepted at p # 0.05.

RESULTS Comparing the EMG activity of the whole movement of the 6 repetitions (concentric and eccentric phases) revealed similar muscle activation of all muscles for the 3 grips (p = 0.092–0.96) (Figure 3A). Still, a tendency toward greater activation of the biceps brachii was observed using medium compared with narrow grip (61 6 12% vs. 56 6 10%; p = 0.092; ES = 0.38). In the concentric phase, activation of biceps was greater using medium compared with narrow grip (87 6 17% vs. 81 6 14%; p = 0.03; ES = 0.44) (Figure 3B). No other significant differences were observed. In the eccentric phase, latissimus dorsi and infraspinatus had greater EMG activity using wide compared with narrow grip (57 6 14% vs. 54 6 13%; p = 0.04; ES = 0.14 and 91 6 48% vs. 89 6 46%; p = 0.02; ES = 0.07). There was a tendency toward greater EMG activation of the biceps brachii using medium compared with wide grip (31 6 17% vs. 28 6 15%; p = 0.08; ES = 0.19). Furthermore, latissimus dorsi had a tendency toward greater EMG activity using medium compared with narrow grip (58 6 16% vs. 54 6 13%; p = 0.08; ES = 0.18; Figure 3C). The 6RM load using wide grip was approximately 4% lower than medium grip (77.3 6 6.3 kg vs. 80.3 6 7.2 kg; p = 0.021; ES = 0.44) and approximately 4% lower than narrow grip (77.3 6 6.3 kg vs. 80.0 6 7.1 kg; p = 0.02; ES = 0.4; Figure 4). There were similar loads using narrow and medium grip widths (80.0 6 7.1 kg vs. 80.3 6 7.2 kg; p = 1.00). There were similar lifting times (p = 0.75) and hip angle (p = 0.84) for the different grips during the tests (Table 1).

DISCUSSION Generally, similar muscle activation was obtained with narrow, medium, and wide pronated grips in the anterior lat pull-down. However, a medium grip may have someminor advantages over small and wide grips as biceps brachii

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had greater activity using a medium compared with a narrow grip in the concentric phase, and there was a tendency for the same in the entire movement. In the eccentric phase, medium grip provided either higher or equally high muscle activation for all muscles. In addition, the 6RM load was lower when using a wide grip compared with medium or narrow grip. A wider grip reduces the flexion and extension of the elbow and increases the shoulder abduction compared with a narrow grip altering the working conditions of the muscles. One might expect that this would lead to a higher activation of the latissimus dorsi and infraspinatus using a wide grip and biceps brachii using a narrow grip. However, our results did not support this notion. Rather, they validated the results reported by Lusk et al. (11) who examined 2 different pronated grip widths in the anterior lat pull-down. Because those authors used the same absolute and not relative intensity, there was uncertainty about the validity of their conclusion. Indeed, our findings of lower absolute strength with a wide grip show the importance of strength assessment across grip widths. Other notable differences between Lusk et al. and our study are that we used heavier loads that also were lifted to failure (6RM that corresponds to ;85% 1RM) as opposed to performing only 5 repetitions with 70% of 1RM. Furthermore, we examined 3 pronated grip widths, whereas previous studies have used only 1 (10,21,22) or 2 (11). Moreover, the definition that Lusk et al. used for the wide grip was probably more like our medium grip. Hence, we add to the existing literature by including wider grips than the previously examined. The differences found in load lifted between the wide and the 2 other grips cannot be explained by less muscle activation. However, biomechanical properties (10) may contribute to the differences in 6RM load. The lever arm from the shoulder joint increases as the grip gets wider, which increases the torque, and therefore probably causes the reduction in loading using the wide grip. In contrast to the present study and Lusk et al. (11), Signorile et al. (21) reported greater latissimus dorsi activation, both in the concentric and eccentric phases, using a wide anterior pronated grip compared with 2 different narrow grips, with the same relative intensity. The narrow grips were a semi-supinated grip using a V-bar, and a supinated grip with BAD between the hands. The wide grip was defined as the distance from outside of the closed fist to the seventh cervical vertebra. Because of the differences in grip definitions, arm rotation, and lifting to fatigue, it is difficult to compare our results with the findings of Signorile et al. (21). However, it is more likely that the differences in muscle activation in Signorile et al. (21) are a result of arm rotation rather than grip width (11). The higher activation in the eccentric phase is in line with our results, but we found no differences in the concentric phase, which could be because of differences in arm rotation or loading.

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Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Several studies have included activation measurements of the synergist biceps brachii, when investigating the whole movement using different grip widths in the lat pull-down (11,21,22), but to our knowledge, no one has investigated the concentric and the eccentric phases separately. One could expect a higher activation of the biceps brachii with a narrower grip because this would increase the flexion of the elbow. On the contrary, we found, in the concentric phase, higher activation using the medium grip compared with the narrow grip. In the eccentric phase, there was a tendency of higher activation with the medium compared with the wide grip. These results could indicate that when using a pronated grip, medium width is optimal for activating the biceps brachii. When combining the 2 phases, there was still a tendency for higher activation using medium grip, whereas no differences were reported in the earlier studies (10,11,23). In conclusion, there was no major difference in activation for latissimus dorsi, biceps brachii, infraspinatus, or trapezius when performing 6RM in the anterior lat pull-down with narrow, medium, and wide anterior grip widths. However, the 6RM load lifted was lower using a wide compared with a small or medium grip. Still, there was some weak evidence that a medium grip may have some advantages over narrow or wide grip.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The lat pull-down with pronated grip is a popular back exercise, but there is no consensus on what the optimal grip width is. This study suggests that a medium grip may have some minor advantages over a narrow or wide one; however, athletes and others engaged in resistance training can generally expect similar muscle activation which in turn should result in relatively similar strength and hypertrophy gains with small to wide grip widths (1–2 times the biacromial distance). We observed lower absolute strength with a wide grip, probably because of biomechanical factors. Hence, if it is considered beneficial to lift as heavy absolute loads as possible, we recommend a narrow or medium grip width. The results of this study are highly valid for real world training as the resistance trained participants in the study used the same relative intensity in all conditions and lifted heavy loads to failure (6RM). In contrast, previous studies suffered from methodological weaknesses, such as not matching intensity between exercises and not using heavy loads or lifting to failure.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We would like to thank the participants for their positivity and participation in the study. This study was conducted without any funding from companies or manufacturers or outside organizations.

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Effects of grip width on muscle strength and activation in the lat pull-down.

The lat pull-down is one of the most popular compound back exercises. Still, it is a general belief that a wider grip activates the latissimus dorsi m...
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