Characteristics of the scapula movement during shoulder elevation depend on posture

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the differences in scapular movement during flexion and abduction of the shoulder joint with different postures. [Participants and Methods] This study included 15 male participants. Their shoulder flexion and abduction and angles of the scapular upward rotation, scapular anterior tilt, scapular external rotation, and thoracic spine flexion were measured. Measurements were taken in three positions: the control, thoracic spine flexion, and thoracic spine extension positions using a three-dimensional motion capture system. [Results] In the shoulder flexion, the amount of change in the scapular external rotation was significantly greater in the thoracic flexion than in the thoracic extension. In shoulder abduction, the amount of change in the scapular anterior tilt and external rotation was significantly greater in the thoracic flexion than in the thoracic extension. A comparison of the scapular angles in shoulder flexion and abduction showed that the upward rotation, posterior tilt, and external rotation were significantly greater in abduction than flexion. [Conclusion] To avoid posture-induced incoordination of the scapula and thorax movement during shoulder elevation, postural adjustment of the thoracic spine based on the movements is necessary for the shoulder joint exercises.