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Article

Serratus Anterior and Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Activation in Hypopressive Exercises Performed in Open Versus Closed Kinetic Chain: A Cross-Sectional Study

by
Esther Hernández Rovira
1,2,
Diego A. Alonso-Aubin
3,4,
Dolors Cañabate Ortiz
1,*,
Carlota Torrents Martín
2 and
Tamara Rial Rebullido
5,*
1
Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Girona, 17004 Girona, Spain
2
National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UDL), 25192 Lleida, Spain
3
Strength Training and Neuromuscular Performance Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences-HM Hospitals, University Camilo José Cela, Villanueva de la Caña, 28692 Madrid, Spain
4
HM Hospitals Health Research Institute, 28015 Madrid, Spain
5
Department of Health and Physical Education, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ 07764, USA
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Muscles 2025, 4(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/muscles4030020
Submission received: 15 May 2025 / Revised: 11 June 2025 / Accepted: 19 June 2025 / Published: 23 June 2025
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Abstract

This study aimed to describe and compare the serratus anterior (SA) and latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle activity during six hypopressive exercise (HE) positions performed in open and closed kinetic chains. While previous studies analyzed abdominal and pelvic muscle activity during HE, research on scapular stabilizers like SA and LD remains underreported. Twenty-five healthy adults (mean age, 42.9 ± 8.4 years; BMI, 22.1 ± 2.4 kg/m2) with prior HE experience performed three open and three closed-chain HE positions. Surface electromyography recorded bilateral SA and LD activity, normalized to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). SA showed greater activation than LD across all positions, with moderate activation levels (20–40% MVIC), while LD activation remained mild (<20% MVIC). Significant differences were found across positions and kinetic chain conditions. SA activation was higher during closed-chain standing (W = 41; p < 0.001; r = −0.74) and kneeling (W = 9; p < 0.001; r = −0.94), while LD activity increased significantly in the seated closed-chain position (left LD: W = 26; p < 0.001; r = −0.84; right LD: W = 20; p < 0.001; r = −0.87). These findings suggest body and kinetic chain positioning influence scapular muscle recruitment during HE. Further research is warranted to determine clinical applications.
Keywords: electromyography; breathing exercises; scapula; rehabilitation exercises electromyography; breathing exercises; scapula; rehabilitation exercises

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MDPI and ACS Style

Hernández Rovira, E.; Alonso-Aubin, D.A.; Cañabate Ortiz, D.; Torrents Martín, C.; Rial Rebullido, T. Serratus Anterior and Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Activation in Hypopressive Exercises Performed in Open Versus Closed Kinetic Chain: A Cross-Sectional Study. Muscles 2025, 4, 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/muscles4030020

AMA Style

Hernández Rovira E, Alonso-Aubin DA, Cañabate Ortiz D, Torrents Martín C, Rial Rebullido T. Serratus Anterior and Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Activation in Hypopressive Exercises Performed in Open Versus Closed Kinetic Chain: A Cross-Sectional Study. Muscles. 2025; 4(3):20. https://doi.org/10.3390/muscles4030020

Chicago/Turabian Style

Hernández Rovira, Esther, Diego A. Alonso-Aubin, Dolors Cañabate Ortiz, Carlota Torrents Martín, and Tamara Rial Rebullido. 2025. "Serratus Anterior and Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Activation in Hypopressive Exercises Performed in Open Versus Closed Kinetic Chain: A Cross-Sectional Study" Muscles 4, no. 3: 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/muscles4030020

APA Style

Hernández Rovira, E., Alonso-Aubin, D. A., Cañabate Ortiz, D., Torrents Martín, C., & Rial Rebullido, T. (2025). Serratus Anterior and Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Activation in Hypopressive Exercises Performed in Open Versus Closed Kinetic Chain: A Cross-Sectional Study. Muscles, 4(3), 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/muscles4030020

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