The Shoulder External Rotation 0° Test measures how far the shoulder can externally rotate with the elbow flexed and the arm tucked beside the trunk. It is useful for tracking rotational ROM, comparing sides and adding context to shoulder function.
A client may feel restricted rotating the forearm outward, have side-to-side differences after a loading block, or need rotational ROM tracked for throwing, gym or daily movement. This test provides a standardised way to measure external rotation with the arm by the side.
The MAT article describes the client seated or standing with the arm tucked into the trunk, elbow flexed to 90 degrees and thumb facing up. The Measurz inclinometer uses the transverse-plane feature, and the MAT source lists at least 60 degrees of external rotation from the 0-degree starting point as the practical target.
Test name: Shoulder External Rotation 0° Test
Purpose: Assess shoulder external rotation ROM with the arm by the side
What it assesses: External rotation range from a neutral shoulder position
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer with transverse-plane function
Key finding: External rotation angle in degrees
Best used with: Shoulder internal rotation 0°, ER/IR at 90°, shoulder flexion, shoulder strength testing and throwing assessment
Key limitation: Elbow drift and trunk rotation can affect the result
This test measures external rotation ROM with the upper arm beside the trunk and the elbow bent to 90 degrees.
It is used to assess rotational shoulder mobility in a controlled position, compare sides and track changes across sessions.
It measures shoulder external rotation ROM at 0 degrees of shoulder abduction. It does not measure rotator cuff strength, shoulder stability or pain source.
Active ROM is measured when the client rotates the forearm outward. Passive ROM may be measured if the professional assists. Record the method and avoid comparing active and passive results as the same score.
Throwers, swimmers, gym clients, overhead athletes, desk workers and clients with shoulder rotation goals.
Measurz inclinometer with transverse-plane function, treatment space, Measurz app and notes for side, pain, active/passive method, elbow position and trunk movement.
Position the client seated or standing with the arm tucked beside the trunk, elbow flexed to 90 degrees and thumb facing upward. Set the transverse-plane inclinometer to zero. Ask the client to externally rotate the forearm outward while keeping the elbow in position. Save the result at maximal ROM.
Record external rotation ROM in degrees. The MAT source lists at least 60 degrees as the practical target for this test.
Interpret with internal rotation, pain, elbow position, trunk rotation, side comparison and sport or training demands.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 60 degrees as a practical MAT reference for ER at 0 degrees. Do not compare directly with ER at 90 degrees.
Digital inclinometer measurement of shoulder active and passive ROM has shown moderate to excellent reliability in a 2021 shoulder study, supporting its use when the protocol is standardised.
Common errors include elbow moving away from the trunk, trunk rotation, wrist movement, not using transverse-plane mode and comparing 0° and 90° rotation tests directly.
Use this test to track rotational ROM, compare sides and guide shoulder mobility, rotator cuff loading or throwing-related assessments.
Record side, ER angle, active/passive method, pain score, symptom location, elbow position, trunk rotation, starting position, comparison side and progress over time.
Shoulder Internal Rotation 0° Test
Shoulder External Rotation 90° Test
Shoulder Internal Rotation 90° Test
Shoulder Flexion Test
Shoulder Strength Testing
Med Ball Throw
It measures shoulder external rotation with the arm by the side.
The MAT source lists at least 60 degrees.
Elbow drift changes the shoulder position and can alter the score.
No. These are different test positions and should be recorded separately.
The test measures shoulder ER at 0 degrees.
Use transverse-plane measurement.
Keep the elbow position consistent.
Record active/passive method.
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.
