The current study compared the spatial excitation of prime movers during the seated row with a narrow (narrow-SR) or a wide grip (wide-SR) using high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG). Fourteen resistance-trained men performed both variations of the exercise using 8-RM (repetition maximum) loads. HD-sEMG amplitude and excitation centroids for the upper/middle/lower trapezius, the latissimus dorsi, the lateral/posterior deltoid, the biceps brachii, the triceps brachii, and the erector spinae were recorded during concentric and eccentric phases. Overall, the narrow-SR showed greater EMG amplitude of the latissimus dorsi in both phases (ES = 1.08), whereas the wide-SR elicited higher excitation for the upper trapezius (ES = 1.35 concentric; ES = 2.79 eccentric), middle trapezius (ES = 1.24; 1.44), lower trapezius (ES = 0.90; 0.71), lateral deltoid (ES = 1.03; 0.58), and erector spinae muscles during the eccentric phase only (ES = 0.65). During the concentric phase, the narrow-SR showed a more lateral centroid of the lateral deltoid (ES = 0.67). During the eccentric phase, the narrow-SR showed a more medial centroid of the middle trapezius (ES = 0.95) and the biceps brachii (ES = 0.90), whereas the centroid of the posterior deltoid (ES = 0.87) was more lateral. Additionally, the centroid was more caudal in the narrow-SR for the erector spinae (ES = 0.74). While the wide-SR appears more appropriate to emphasize the entire trapezius and lateral deltoid, the narrow-SR seems better suited for prioritizing the latissimus dorsi. Whereas these distinctions highlight the preferential excitation of certain muscles, it is important to recognize that both multi-joint exercises recruit several muscle groups, and the specificity of one does not imply the absence, but rather a lesser involvement, of others.
