Effects of pulling direction on upper trapezius and rhomboid muscle activity

[Purpose] This study examined the activation of the rhomboid muscle according to the angle of the arm. [Subjects and Methods] The current study was conducted on 15 healthy males. The participants performed the pulling exercise in 5 conditions. The surface electromyography system was used to measure the muscle activities of the rhomboid and upper trapezius. [Results] The activity of the upper trapezius in condition 5 was significantly increased compared to that in condition 4. The activity of the rhomboid in condition 4 was significantly increased compared to that in conditions 1 and 5. [Conclusion] This study showed that performing a pulling exercise with the arms raised above the head (shoulder flexion at 120°) is more effective for reducing upper trapezius tension, while also selectively strengthening the rhomboid muscle.