In gravity-minimized MMT for scapular adduction/downward rotation, which patient position is used?

In gravity-minimized MMT for scapular adduction/downward rotation, which patient position is used?

• A. Sitting with the tested arm internally rotated and adducted behind the lumbar spine.
• B. Supine with the arm by the side.
• C. Standing with the arm abducted.
• D. Prone with the arm overhead.

Answer: (A)

In gravity-minimized testing for scapular adduction and downward rotation, the goal is to measure the strength of the scapular retractors (mainly the rhomboids and middle trapezius) without gravity helping or hindering the movement. Placing the tested arm internally rotated and adducted behind the lumbar spine positions the scapula so that its medial border moves toward the spine (adduction) and the inferior angle rotates downward, driven by those muscles, rather than by the weight of the arm. Sitting supports the trunk so gravity isn’t pulling the arm away in a way that would change the scapular position, while the arm’s position behind the back minimizes gravitational influence on the scapulothoracic motion. This setup lets the examiner apply resistance to the scapula and accurately gauge the muscle strength in a gravity-minimized context.

In gravity-minimized testing for scapular adduction and downward rotation, the goal is to measure the strength of the scapular retractors (mainly the rhomboids and middle trapezius) without gravity helping or hindering the movement. Placing the tested arm internally rotated and adducted behind the lumbar spine positions the scapula so that its medial border moves toward the spine (adduction) and the inferior angle rotates downward, driven by those muscles, rather than by the weight of the arm. Sitting supports the trunk so gravity isn’t pulling the arm away in a way that would change the scapular position, while the arm’s position behind the back minimizes gravitational influence on the scapulothoracic motion. This setup lets the examiner apply resistance to the scapula and accurately gauge the muscle strength in a gravity-minimized context.