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

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.