In gravity-minimized scapular adduction, the elbow is flexed to what angle?

In gravity-minimized scapular adduction, the elbow is flexed to what angle?

• A. 0 degrees
• B. 45 degrees
• C. 90 degrees
• D. 120 degrees

Answer: (C)

Gravity-minimized testing aims to isolate the scapular retractors by removing the weight of the arm as a driver or obstacle. Positioning the elbow at 90 degrees flexion achieves this by shortening the forearm lever and aligning the forearm’s weight so it doesn’t create a strong torque on the shoulder girdle. This makes it easier to recruit mainly the middle trapezius and rhomboids to draw the scapula toward the spine without gravity helping or hindering the motion. If the elbow were straightened or more flexed, the forearm’s weight would alter the torque and could recruit other muscles or make the test more difficult to interpret, reducing isolation and reliability.

Gravity-minimized testing aims to isolate the scapular retractors by removing the weight of the arm as a driver or obstacle. Positioning the elbow at 90 degrees flexion achieves this by shortening the forearm lever and aligning the forearm’s weight so it doesn’t create a strong torque on the shoulder girdle. This makes it easier to recruit mainly the middle trapezius and rhomboids to draw the scapula toward the spine without gravity helping or hindering the motion. If the elbow were straightened or more flexed, the forearm’s weight would alter the torque and could recruit other muscles or make the test more difficult to interpret, reducing isolation and reliability.