Lesson 8: Introduction To Deltoids

This course describes the deltoid muscles, also known as the shoulder muscles or delts, and how the muscle fibers of the deltoids are divided into “three heads” or “three parts”: anterior head (front delt), middle head (lateral deltoid), and posterior head (rear delt).

Further, this course describes their contribution to motion of the humerus (upper arm bone) at the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint). This includes the anterior deltoid contributing to shoulder flexion during a front raise or horizontal adduction during a bench press, the middle deltoid (lateral deltoid) contributing to shoulder abduction during a lateral raise or upright row, and the posterior deltoid contributing to shoulder horizontal abduction during a reverse fly or shoulder extension during a seated row. Additionally, this course analyzes the contribution of the deltoid and scapular muscles (shoulder blade muscles) to two of the best exercises for the deltoids, the overhead press, and the reverse fly.

Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) must be aware of the deltoid muscle for detailed analysis of human movement, and the development of sophisticated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions. Further, this course is essential knowledge for future courses discussing the neural innervations of the deltoids (axillary nerve), the origin and insertion of the deltoids (spine of the scapula, acromion, deltoid tuberosity of the humerus), its synergistic function with other shoulder muscles (e.g. synergy with the rotator cuff, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi during shoulder motion), injury and physical therapy issues (e.g. shoulder pain, deltoid pain, deltoid strain, hypertonic deltoid muscle fibers, trigger points, etc.), and sports performance (e.g. max bench press, throwing, shooting, punching, lifting).

Pre-approved Credits for:

• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Certification

Pre-approved for Continuing Education Credits for:

• Athletic Trainers
• Chiropractors
• Group Exercise Instructors
• Massage Therapists
• Occupational Therapists - Introductory
• Personal Trainers
• Physical Therapists
• Physical Therapy Assistants
• Yoga Instructors

This Course Includes:

• AI Tutor
• Video Lecture
• Study Guide
• Text of Material
• Learning Activities
• Practice Exam
• Pre-approved Final Exam

For more advanced anatomy check out our integrated functional anatomy courses:

• Deltoids

Caption: The deltoid muscles attaching from the scapula to the humerus

Bibliography

1. Donald A. Neumann, “Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations of Rehabilitation – 2nd Edition” © 2012 Mosby, Inc.
2. Tom Myers, Anatomy Trains: Second Edition. © Elsevier Limited 2009
3. David G. Simons, Janet Travell, Lois S. Simons, Travell & Simmons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, The Trigger Point Manual, Volume 1. Upper Half of Body: Second Edition,© 1999 Williams and Wilkens
4. Cynthia C. Norkin, D. Joyce White, Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry – Third Edition. © 2003 by F.A. Davis Company
5. Cynthia C. Norkin, Pamela K. Levangie, Joint Structure and Function: A Comprehensive Analysis: Fifth Edition © 2011 F.A. Davis Company
6. Carolyn Richardson, Paul Hodges, Julie Hides. Therapeutic Exercise for Lumbo Pelvic Stabilization – A Motor Control Approach for the Treatment and Prevention of Low Back Pain: 2nd Edition (c) Elsevier Limited, 2004
7. Andrew Biel, Trail Guide to the Human Body: 4th Edition, © 2010
8. David B. Jenkins, Hollinshead’s Functional Anatomy of the Limbs and Back: Eighth Edition © 2002 Saunders
9. John V. Basmajian, Carlo J. De Luca. Muscles Alive: Their Function Revealed by ElectroMyography. 1985