The Shoulder Flexion Test measures how far the client can raise the arm forward and overhead. It is useful for tracking shoulder mobility, comparing sides and adding context to overhead reaching, pressing, throwing, swimming and upper-body movement.
A client may report difficulty reaching overhead, discomfort during pressing, or one arm feeling restricted compared with the other. The Shoulder Flexion Test provides a repeatable way to measure shoulder flexion ROM and track whether it improves, reduces or changes with symptoms.
The MAT article describes the client starting seated or standing with the arm straight in front of the body, aligning the smart device along the humerus, and asking the client to flex the shoulder as high as possible. The MAT source lists 180 degrees as the practical target for shoulder flexion.
Test name: Shoulder Flexion Test
Purpose: Assess shoulder flexion range of motion
What it assesses: Ability to raise the arm forward and overhead
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer
Key finding: Shoulder flexion angle in degrees
Best used with: Shoulder extension, abduction, external rotation, internal rotation, thoracic extension and overhead movement assessment
Key limitation: Trunk extension, rib flare and scapular motion can affect the result
The Shoulder Flexion Test is a range of motion assessment that measures how far the arm can move forward and overhead. In a Measurz context, the inclinometer is aligned with the humerus and the result is recorded in degrees.
It is used to establish baseline overhead ROM, compare sides, monitor progress and provide context for tasks such as reaching, lifting, pressing, throwing and swimming.
It measures shoulder flexion ROM in degrees. It does not isolate glenohumeral motion, measure shoulder strength, diagnose shoulder pain or prove overhead readiness on its own.
Active shoulder flexion is measured when the client raises the arm themselves. Passive ROM may be measured if the professional assists the arm overhead. Record the method clearly because active and passive ROM provide different information.
Overhead athletes, swimmers, throwers, gym clients, desk workers, older adults, shoulder mobility clients and anyone where overhead movement is relevant.
Measurz inclinometer, treatment space, Measurz app and notes for side, pain score, symptoms, active/passive method and compensation.
Position the client seated or standing. Ask them to keep the arm straight and raise it forward and overhead as far as possible. Align the device along the humerus. Pause and save the score once maximal ROM is reached. Record pain, stiffness, pinching, trunk extension, rib flare or compensation.
Record shoulder flexion in degrees. The MAT source lists 180 degrees as the practical target, while noting that normal ROM may vary between clients.
A lower value may suggest reduced overhead ROM under the tested method, but interpretation should include pain, thoracic mobility, scapular control, shoulder rotation, side comparison and functional goals.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 180 degrees as a practical MAT reference for this test. Treat it as a guide rather than a universal rule.
Recent shoulder ROM research supports the use of smartphone and inclinometer-based measures when positioning and landmarks are standardised. A 2022 study assessed smartphone self-measurement of active shoulder ROM in standing, while a 2023 study compared common clinical goniometric devices including smartphone applications, inclinometers and digital inclinometers.
Common errors include arching the back, leaning forward, bending the elbow, changing humerus placement, ignoring pain and comparing active and passive scores directly.
Use this test to track overhead mobility, compare sides and guide whether shoulder rotation, thoracic extension, scapular control or strength testing should be added.
Record side, flexion angle, active/passive method, pain score, symptom location, arm position, trunk compensation, scapular control notes, comparison with the other side and progress across sessions.
Shoulder Extension Test
Shoulder Abduction Test
Shoulder External Rotation 0° Test
Shoulder External Rotation 90° Test
Thoracic Extension Assessment
Overhead Press Assessment
It measures how far the arm can raise forward and overhead.
The MAT source lists 180 degrees as the practical target for this test.
Either can be useful. Record the method and repeat the same version for retesting.
No. It is a ROM finding and should be interpreted with symptoms and related tests.
The Shoulder Flexion Test measures overhead ROM.
Keep humerus alignment consistent.
Record active/passive method and symptoms.
Use 180 degrees as a practical reference only.
Track side comparison and progress in Measurz.
Kiatkulanusorn, S., Luangpon, N., Srijunto, W., Watechagit, S., Pitchayadejanant, K., Kuharat, S., Anwar Bég, O., & Paepetch Suato, B. (2023). Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices. Scientific Reports, 13, 20915.
Shimizu, H., Saito, T., Kouno, C., Shimoura, K., Kawabe, R., Shinohara, Y., Mukaiyama, K., Changyu, C., Kato, M., Nagai-Tanima, M., & Aoyama, T. (2022). Validity and reliability of a smartphone application for self-measurement of active shoulder range of motion in a standing position among healthy adults. JSES International, 6(4), 675–682.
Sinden, K., et al. (2021). The reliability of the Microsoft Kinect and ambulatory sensor-based motion tracking devices to measure shoulder range of motion: A systematic review. Sensors, 21(24), 8186.
