The Shoulder Internal Rotation 0° Test measures how far the shoulder can internally rotate with the arm tucked beside the trunk and elbow flexed. It is useful for tracking rotational ROM and side-to-side differences.
A client may feel restricted rotating the forearm across the body or may need shoulder rotation monitored after a training block. This test records internal rotation with the arm by the side, which is different from internal rotation at 90 degrees of abduction.
The MAT article describes a seated or standing test with the arm tucked beside the trunk, elbow flexed to 90 degrees and thumb facing upward. The transverse-plane feature is used, and the client rotates the forearm across the body. The MAT source lists at least 70 degrees from the 0-degree starting position as the practical target.
Test name: Shoulder Internal Rotation 0° Test
Purpose: Assess shoulder internal rotation ROM with the arm by the side
What it assesses: Internal rotation from a neutral shoulder position
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer with transverse-plane function
Key finding: IR angle in degrees
Best used with: Shoulder external rotation 0°, IR/ER at 90°, shoulder flexion and shoulder strength testing
Key limitation: The trunk can physically block the movement and affect the score
This test measures internal rotation ROM with the upper arm beside the trunk and the elbow flexed.
It is used to assess rotational shoulder mobility, compare sides and track changes across sessions.
It measures internal rotation ROM at 0 degrees of shoulder abduction. It does not measure rotator cuff strength, shoulder stability or cause of symptoms.
Active ROM is measured when the client rotates the forearm across the body. Passive ROM may be recorded if assisted. Label the method clearly.
Gym clients, swimmers, throwers, overhead athletes, desk workers and shoulder mobility clients.
Measurz inclinometer with transverse-plane function, treatment space, Measurz app and notes for side, symptoms, elbow position, trunk obstruction and active/passive method.
Position the client seated or standing with the arm tucked beside the trunk, elbow flexed to 90 degrees and thumb facing up. Set the transverse-plane inclinometer to zero. Ask the client to internally rotate the forearm across the body as far as possible. Save the result once maximal ROM is reached.
Record internal rotation ROM in degrees. The MAT source lists at least 70 degrees as the practical target. It also notes that some clients may be limited because the trunk obstructs the movement.
Interpret with external rotation at 0°, shoulder position, symptoms, trunk obstruction and side comparison.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 70 degrees as a practical MAT reference. Interpret cautiously when the trunk blocks the movement.
Recent shoulder ROM evidence supports device-based measurement when the position and landmarks are consistent. In rotation tests, elbow position and trunk compensation are especially important for retest reliability.
Common errors include elbow drift, trunk rotation, wrist movement, unclear transverse-plane setup, not recording trunk obstruction and comparing IR at 0° with IR at 90°.
Use this test to monitor rotational shoulder ROM, compare sides and support shoulder mobility or strength programming.
Record side, IR angle, active/passive method, pain score, symptom location, elbow position, trunk obstruction, transverse-plane setup, comparison side and retest score.
Shoulder External Rotation 0° Test
Shoulder Internal Rotation 90° Test
Shoulder External Rotation 90° Test
Shoulder Extension Test
Shoulder Strength Testing
Posterior Shoulder Endurance Test
It measures shoulder internal rotation with the arm beside the body.
The MAT source lists at least 70 degrees from the 0-degree starting position.
The forearm may contact the trunk before full available rotation is expressed.
No. Record the tests separately.
The test measures IR at 0 degrees.
Use transverse-plane measurement.
Record trunk obstruction.
Keep elbow position consistent.
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.
