During internal rotation testing in anti-gravity, what is the direction of resistance?

During internal rotation testing in anti-gravity, what is the direction of resistance?

• A. Downward to the flexor surface of the forearm.
• B. Upward on the extensor surface of the forearm.
• C. Lateral to the wrist.
• D. Downward on the posterior forearm near elbow.

Answer: (A)

In resisted internal rotation testing, you apply force opposite to the direction the internal rotators move the arm. Internal rotation brings the forearm and palm toward the body, so the resistance is directed downward on the forearm’s flexor (palmar) surface. This downward pressure counters the inward turning of the humerus and isolates the strength of the internal rotators. Other directions aren’t appropriate because they don’t oppose the motion in the same plane or they target different joints or planes of movement. For example, pushing upward on the extensor surface would not effectively oppose the inward rotation, directing the force in a less specific way; lateral pressure near the wrist would affect wrist movement rather than shoulder rotation; and downward pressure on the posterior forearm near the elbow changes leverage and doesn’t align with the typical anti-gravity shoulder internal rotation test.

In resisted internal rotation testing, you apply force opposite to the direction the internal rotators move the arm. Internal rotation brings the forearm and palm toward the body, so the resistance is directed downward on the forearm’s flexor (palmar) surface. This downward pressure counters the inward turning of the humerus and isolates the strength of the internal rotators.

Other directions aren’t appropriate because they don’t oppose the motion in the same plane or they target different joints or planes of movement. For example, pushing upward on the extensor surface would not effectively oppose the inward rotation, directing the force in a less specific way; lateral pressure near the wrist would affect wrist movement rather than shoulder rotation; and downward pressure on the posterior forearm near the elbow changes leverage and doesn’t align with the typical anti-gravity shoulder internal rotation test.