What is the normal active shoulder abduction range?

What is the normal active shoulder abduction range?

• A. 180 degrees
• B. 120 degrees
• C. 90 degrees
• D. 60 degrees

Answer: (A)

Normal active shoulder abduction brings the arm from the side up to overhead, totaling about 180 degrees. This full range comes from a combination of movements at two joints: the glenohumeral joint contributes roughly 120 degrees of elevation, while the scapulothoracic mechanism adds about 60 degrees through upward rotation of the scapula. The coordination between these two components—often described by scapulohumeral rhythm—allows the arm to reach the overhead position. The motion begins with the supraspinatus initiating the lift and is continued by the deltoid, with the scapula rotating upward as the arm rises. Measure from the arm at the side in neutral to the arm fully overhead with the palm facing forward; while individual variation exists, 180 degrees is the normal active ROM for shoulder abduction.

Normal active shoulder abduction brings the arm from the side up to overhead, totaling about 180 degrees. This full range comes from a combination of movements at two joints: the glenohumeral joint contributes roughly 120 degrees of elevation, while the scapulothoracic mechanism adds about 60 degrees through upward rotation of the scapula. The coordination between these two components—often described by scapulohumeral rhythm—allows the arm to reach the overhead position. The motion begins with the supraspinatus initiating the lift and is continued by the deltoid, with the scapula rotating upward as the arm rises. Measure from the arm at the side in neutral to the arm fully overhead with the palm facing forward; while individual variation exists, 180 degrees is the normal active ROM for shoulder abduction.