Grip Width And Orientation On Back Emg Activation During Theincline Barbell Row

PURPOSE: Horizontal rowing exercises, such as the prone row, are commonly prescribed to strengthen the back musculature. Research on how variations in grip width and forearm orientation influence muscle activation and strength is limited. This study aimed to evaluate differences in 1 repetition maximum (RM) and muscle activation using surface electromyography (sEMG) during four variations of the incline prone row in adult lifters. METHODS: Fifteen adults (23 ± 4 years; 5.7 ± 2.8 years lifting experience) performed four prone row variations consisting of close and wide pronated (CP, WP) and close and wide supinated (CS, WS) grips. 1RM was estimated from a 3-5 RM test for each grip. Order of grip variation was randomized at both sessions. In the follow-up session, sEMG data were recorded during 2 sets of 3 repetitions at 85% of their estimated 1RM for the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and latissimus dorsi (LD). Mean activation during repetition 2 of both sets was analyzed. Repeated-measures ANOVA were conducted to compare 1RM estimates and percent changes in muscle activation across grip variations. Post-hoc testing for a significant omnibus test was performed with a Holm-corrected P-value. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in 1RM estimates across grip variations (p = 0.001). Post-hoc tests revealed significant differences between the following in pounds: CP greater than WP (134 ± 42 vs 126 ± 41, p = 0.001) and WS (126 ± 43 p = 0.002); CS greater than WP (p = 0.001), and WS (p = 0.001). Significant differences in muscle activation across grip variations were observed for the MT (p = 0.001). Post-hoc tests determined that the WP grip resulted in greater activation than the CS (70.4 ± 26.4 vs 61.5 ± 24.4 % MVIC, p = 0.007), WS (63.7 ± 26.1%, p = 0.037), and CP grips (65.1 ± 22.5%, p = 0.037). No significant differences were found in UT, LT, or LD activation. CONCLUSIONS: Narrow grips appear to increase 1RM during the barbell incline prone row, with the CS grip resulting in the highest 1RM. A pronated grip increased MT activation especially in the WP position. Muscle activation of the UT, LT, and LD were not significantly affected by grip position or width. These findings highlight the importance of grip variations in targeting specific muscles during horizontal rowing exercises.