Analysis of rotation accompanying shoulder flexion

For effective rehabilitation of the shoulder, physical therapists must have correct knowledge of shoulder motion. Reports conflict on whether medial or lateral rotation of the humerus accompanies shoulder flexion. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between flexion and rotation at the glenohumeral joint. We determined rotation that accompanied active shoulder flexion by using a universal full-circle goniometer and an adjustable wooden bracket that served as a base for a gravity-activated angle finder. Therapists performed passive shoulder flexion with the humerus held allowing no rotation and then held in medial or lateral rotation. We used single-tailed t tests to determine analysis. We found significant differences (p less than .01) between the amount of shoulder rotation accompanying active shoulder flexion between men and women. Medial rotation of the shoulder accompanied active flexion in all subjects. Physical therapists should consider these results when the goal of treatment is to increase shoulder flexion.