During gravity-minimized scapular adduction, which stabilization is used?

During gravity-minimized scapular adduction, which stabilization is used?

• A. Clinician stabilizes the contralateral thorax
• B. Weight of trunk against the table
• C. Clinician stabilizes the opposite scapula
• D. No stabilization

Answer: (A)

In gravity-minimized scapular adduction, the goal is to isolate the scapular retractors (like the middle trapezius and rhomboids) without the trunk contributing to the movement. The clinician stabilizes the contralateral thorax, placing a hand on the opposite side of the chest to fix the trunk and prevent rotation or lateral movement that could help or hinder the tested muscles. This keeps the movement focused on scapular retraction rather than body weight or trunk shifts. Stabilizing the opposite scapula would alter the scapular mechanics and potentially limit or bias how the tested muscles function. Relying on the weight of the trunk against the table isn’t the primary stabilization in this context, since the goal is to minimize gravity’s effect and prevent trunk contribution. No stabilization would allow compensatory trunk or shoulder movements, contaminating the assessment.

In gravity-minimized scapular adduction, the goal is to isolate the scapular retractors (like the middle trapezius and rhomboids) without the trunk contributing to the movement. The clinician stabilizes the contralateral thorax, placing a hand on the opposite side of the chest to fix the trunk and prevent rotation or lateral movement that could help or hinder the tested muscles. This keeps the movement focused on scapular retraction rather than body weight or trunk shifts.

Stabilizing the opposite scapula would alter the scapular mechanics and potentially limit or bias how the tested muscles function. Relying on the weight of the trunk against the table isn’t the primary stabilization in this context, since the goal is to minimize gravity’s effect and prevent trunk contribution. No stabilization would allow compensatory trunk or shoulder movements, contaminating the assessment.