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Kinesiology of the Shoulder and Scapula

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 - 39 Likes

Brent Brookbush

Brent Brookbush

DPT, PT, COMT, MS,

Kinesiology of the Shoulder and Scapula:

by Brent Brookbush DPT, PT, MS, PES, CES, CSCS, ACSM H/FS

Scapulohumeral Rhythm: The actions of the shoulder are paired with actions of the scapula. This serves to both increase the available range of motion of the upper extremity, and allows the glenoid fossa to be positioned in a more stable position in relation to the humeral head. For example, shoulder abduction is accompanied by upward rotation - this increases the amount of gleno-humeral abduction available by moving the acromion process “out of the way,” and this positions the glenoid fossa partially under the humeral head providing mechanical stability to downward force. The analysis below pairs each shoulder joint action with the accompanying scapular movement.

Shoulder Horizontal Adduction and Scapular Protraction:

Shoulder Horizontal Adduction (Horizontal Flexion)

Scapular Protraction

Shoulder Horizontal Abduction and Scapular Retraction:

Shoulder Horizontal Abduction (Horizontal Extension)

Scapular Retraction

Shoulder Flexion and Scapular Upward Rotation:

Shoulder Flexion

Scapular Upward Rotation

Shoulder Extension and Scapular Downward Rotation:

Shoulder Extension

Scapular Downward Rotation

Shoulder Abduction and Scapular Upward Rotation:

Shoulder Abduction

Scapular Upward Rotation

Shoulder Adduction and Scapular Downward Rotation:

Shoulder Adduction

Scapular Downward Rotation

Shoulder Internal and External Rotation:

Note: Shoulder rotation is not strictly paired with a specific movement of the scapula

Internal Rotation:

External Rotation:

Scapular Elevation and Depression:

Note: Scapular elevation and depression are not strictly paired with a specific shoulder movement or another scapular action. They likely function to allow movement of the glenohumeral joint in various transverse planes, or to extend movement in the frontal plane.

Scapular Elevation

Scapular Depression

© 2011 Brent Brookbush

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