The Shoulder Extension Test measures how far the client can move the straight arm behind the body. It is useful for tracking shoulder mobility, comparing sides and adding context to reaching behind, running arm swing, pressing and upper-body movement.
A client may report difficulty reaching behind the body, stiffness through the front of the shoulder or reduced arm swing during running. The Shoulder Extension Test provides a simple way to measure this movement and track change across sessions.
The MAT article describes a seated or standing test where the client reaches the straight arm behind the body, the device is aligned along the humerus, and the professional records the result once full ROM is reached or pain/discomfort begins. The MAT page lists at least 50 degrees as the practical target.
Test name: Shoulder Extension Test
Purpose: Assess shoulder extension range of motion
What it assesses: Ability to move the arm behind the body
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer
Key finding: Shoulder extension angle in degrees
Best used with: Shoulder flexion, internal rotation, horizontal extension, thoracic extension and upper-body strength tests
Key limitation: Trunk extension and scapular motion can affect the result
The Shoulder Extension Test measures shoulder ROM as the straight arm moves behind the body.
It is used to track posterior arm movement, compare sides and provide context for activities requiring shoulder extension or reaching behind.
It measures shoulder extension ROM in degrees. It does not isolate glenohumeral extension, measure shoulder strength or identify the cause of pain.
Active ROM is measured when the client reaches behind the body. Passive ROM may be measured if the professional assists the arm. Record the method clearly.
Runners, swimmers, gym clients, throwing athletes, desk workers and clients with shoulder mobility goals.
Measurz inclinometer, treatment space, Measurz app and notes for side, pain, symptoms, active/passive method and trunk compensation.
Position the client seated or standing. Ask the client to keep the arm straight and reach behind the body as far as possible. Align the smart device along the humerus, pause and save the score when maximal ROM is reached or symptoms limit the movement.
Record shoulder extension in degrees. The MAT article lists at least 50 degrees as the practical target.
A lower score may indicate reduced shoulder extension under the tested conditions, but interpretation should include symptoms, anterior shoulder sensation, thoracic position, scapular movement, side comparison and functional needs.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 50 degrees as a practical MAT reference. Client baseline and side comparison are often more useful than a single threshold.
Digital inclinometer and smartphone-based shoulder ROM measures can be useful when testing setup is consistent. A 2021 study reported moderate to excellent reliability for digital inclinometer measures of active and passive shoulder ROM in clients with unilateral subacromial impingement syndrome, with measurement error values that should be considered when interpreting small changes.
Common errors include leaning forward, extending through the trunk, bending the elbow, shrugging the shoulder and not recording pain.
Use this test to monitor shoulder extension ROM, compare sides and guide whether shoulder rotation, anterior shoulder mobility, thoracic extension or strength testing should be added.
Record side, extension angle, active/passive method, pain score, symptom location, trunk compensation, scapular movement, arm position, comparison side and retest date.
Shoulder Flexion Test
Shoulder Internal Rotation 0° Test
Shoulder Internal Rotation 90° Test
Shoulder Horizontal Abduction Test
Posterior Shoulder Endurance Test
Push-Up Test
It measures how far the arm can move behind the body.
The MAT source lists at least 50 degrees.
Yes, unless using a modified version. Record any modification.
No. It is a ROM finding only.
The Shoulder Extension Test measures reaching-behind ROM.
Control trunk compensation.
Record active/passive method.
Use 50 degrees as a practical reference.
Track side comparison in Measurz.
Cools, A. M., et al. (2021). Inclinometer reliability for shoulder ranges of motion in individuals with subacromial impingement syndrome. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 44(3), 236–244.
Kiatkulanusorn, S., et al. (2023). Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices. Scientific Reports, 13, 20915.
Shimizu, H., et al. (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.
