What muscle is primarily responsible for backward shoulder movement during a rowing exercise?

The rhomboids are primarily responsible for the backward movement of the shoulders, particularly during a rowing exercise. These muscles are located between the shoulder blades and play a crucial role in the retraction of the scapulae. During rowing, as the arms pull the handle towards the body, the rhomboids help to pull the scapulae together and downward, contributing to proper posture and shoulder stability throughout the movement.

Although the trapezius also assists in scapular retraction and upward rotation, its involvement spans different regions and movements, making it less specific to the backward movement of the shoulders compared to the rhomboids. The deltoids primarily function in shoulder flexion and abduction rather than retraction. The latissimus dorsi, while involved in various pulling motions, primarily contributes to shoulder extension and adduction, rather than the focused backward movement of the shoulders during rowing.

Understanding the roles of these muscles in the context of exercise helps in designing effective corrective exercise programs that enhance muscle balance and functional movement.