The Shoulder Internal Rotation 90° Test measures internal rotation with the shoulder abducted to 90 degrees and the elbow flexed to 90 degrees. It is useful for tracking overhead rotational ROM, side-to-side differences and total shoulder rotation context.
An overhead athlete may have different internal rotation at 90 degrees compared with the other side. A gym client may feel restricted in pressing, snatching or overhead positions. This test measures internal rotation in a position that is different from arm-by-side testing.
The MAT article describes the client seated or standing with the shoulder abducted to 90 degrees and elbow flexed to 90 degrees. The device is aligned with the forearm, and the client rotates the forearm forward and downward. The MAT source lists 90 degrees as the practical reference point.
Test name: Shoulder Internal Rotation 90° Test
Purpose: Assess internal rotation ROM at 90 degrees of shoulder abduction
What it assesses: Shoulder IR in an abducted position
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer
Key finding: IR angle in degrees
Best used with: Shoulder ER 90°, shoulder ER/IR at 0°, throwing assessment and overhead mobility testing
Key limitation: Shoulder or elbow position drift can change the score
This test measures internal rotation ROM with the shoulder abducted and elbow flexed to 90 degrees.
It is used to assess rotational mobility in an overhead-like position, compare sides and monitor changes over time.
It measures shoulder internal rotation ROM at 90 degrees abduction. It does not measure rotator cuff strength, shoulder stability or throwing readiness by itself.
Active ROM is measured when the client rotates the forearm down. Passive ROM may be used if assisted. Record the method clearly.
Throwers, swimmers, racquet sport athletes, gym clients, overhead athletes and shoulder mobility clients.
Measurz inclinometer, treatment space, Measurz app and notes for side, shoulder position, elbow position, pain and active/passive method.
Position the client seated or standing. Abduct the shoulder to 90 degrees and flex the elbow to 90 degrees. Align the Measurz inclinometer with the midpoint of the forearm. Ask the client to internally rotate the forearm forward and downward while keeping the shoulder and elbow in the same position. Save the result.
Record internal rotation ROM in degrees. The MAT source lists 90 degrees as a practical reference point, while noting that normal ROM may vary by age, sex and activity level.
Interpret with external rotation at 90 degrees, total rotation arc, symptoms, sport demands and side comparison.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 90 degrees as a practical MAT reference. For overhead athletes, also consider total arc and side-to-side context rather than internal rotation alone.
Shoulder rotation ROM measurement can be reliable when standardised, but small changes should be interpreted cautiously because measurement error may be present across devices and assessors.
Common errors include shoulder dropping below 90 degrees, elbow drift, scapular compensation, trunk movement, wrist movement and comparing IR at 90° directly with IR at 0°.
Use this test to monitor overhead rotational ROM, compare sides and guide shoulder mobility, throwing or upper-body strength programming.
Record side, IR angle, shoulder abduction angle, elbow position, active/passive method, pain score, symptom location, compensation, comparison side and related ER at 90° findings.
Shoulder External Rotation 90° Test
Shoulder Internal Rotation 0° Test
Shoulder External Rotation 0° Test
Throwing Assessment
Shoulder Strength Testing
CKCUEST
It measures shoulder internal rotation with the shoulder abducted to 90 degrees.
The MAT source lists 90 degrees as a practical reference point.
For overhead athletes, total arc can be useful when combined with ER at 90 degrees.
No. These are different positions and should be recorded separately.
The test measures IR at 90 degrees abduction.
Shoulder and elbow position must be maintained.
Use with ER at 90 degrees.
Record active/passive method.
Track symptoms and total arc context 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.
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.
Kiatkulanusorn, S., et al. (2023). Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices. Scientific Reports, 13, 20915.
