When testing shoulder flexion, which muscle groups are primarily evaluated?

When testing shoulder flexion, which muscle groups are primarily evaluated?

• A. Anterior deltoid and, to a lesser extent, the clavicular portion of the pectoralis major
• B. Middle deltoid
• C. Posterior deltoid
• D. Supraspinatus

Answer: (A)

Shoulder flexion is driven mainly by the anterior deltoid. The clavicular portion of the pectoralis major also contributes, especially as the arm moves from lower ranges into flexion, providing secondary help. The middle deltoid is the primary mover for abduction (lifting the arm out to the side), the posterior deltoid mainly extends the shoulder and aids in horizontal abduction, and the supraspinatus is most active in initiating abduction and stabilizing the joint. So the combination of the anterior deltoid with the clavicular part of the pectoralis major best explains the muscles primarily evaluated during shoulder flexion testing.

Shoulder flexion is driven mainly by the anterior deltoid. The clavicular portion of the pectoralis major also contributes, especially as the arm moves from lower ranges into flexion, providing secondary help. The middle deltoid is the primary mover for abduction (lifting the arm out to the side), the posterior deltoid mainly extends the shoulder and aids in horizontal abduction, and the supraspinatus is most active in initiating abduction and stabilizing the joint. So the combination of the anterior deltoid with the clavicular part of the pectoralis major best explains the muscles primarily evaluated during shoulder flexion testing.