The Banded Unilateral Lat Activations are an early-phase exercise used to improve activity of the Latissimus Dorsi and can be performed with either isometric or concentric/ eccentric Muscle Contractions . Through the proximal attachment on the Humerus , activation of the Latissimus Dorsi can be used to treat pathology of The Shoulder Girdle such as Subacromial Impingement or Glenohumeral Instability by pulling posteroinferiorly on the Humeral Head.
Starting Position:
Patient stands facing a cable or anchored band, grasping either with the ipsilateral hand
The activation is then performed by pulling the cable/ band so that The Elbow flexes to roughly 90º Elbow - Flexion and is tucked by the ipsilateral hip. Attention should be given to initiating the movement at The Shoulder Girdle rather than at The Elbow .
Added Ipsilateral Thoracic - Lateral Flexion - further shortens the Latissimus Dorsi
The Unilateral Banded Lat Activations are already considered a rudimentary and highly accessible exercise. Further regression of this exercise may be subjective to the patient.
The following exercises can be used as a progression to Banded Unilateral Lat Activations once exercise proficiency is achieved:
Circumduction Row - isotonic exercise with variable load used to emphasise mid-to-lower Trapezius
Inverted Rows - rudimentary isotonic horizontal pull exercise that utilises bodyweight
Seated Row - rudimentary weighted isotonic horizontal pull movement
One Arm Row - unilateral DB version of Seated Row
Lat Pulldown - rudimentary weighted isotonic vertical pull movement with a high range of motion