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Anatomy
Anatomy

Scapular Movement

Evidence-grounded — sourced from Fysiqal's fitness knowledge graph· 1 min read
movement-terminologyscapulashoulder-girdle

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In one line

The scapula moves through elevation/depression, adduction (retraction)/abduction (protraction), and upward/downward rotation.

Detail

The scapula has three pairs of movements: elevation and depression; adduction (retraction) and abduction (protraction); and upward rotation and downward rotation. Scapular adduction is used in pectoral and latissimus dorsi training to increase the force angle (2-joint muscle effect). A source note states the scapulas move about half as much as the shoulder. The scapular movement diagram is attributed to Harter (1991).

Key facts

  • Three scapular movement pairs: elevation/depression; adduction (retraction)/abduction (protraction); upward/downward rotation.
  • Scapular adduction increases force angle in chest and lat exercises.
  • Source note: scapulas move about half as much as the shoulder.

Connections

  • elevation — scapular elevation.
  • depression — scapular depression.
  • trapezius — moves the scapula in all three pairs.
  • shoulder-joint-rom — distinct from glenohumeral motion.
SourceReference manual
p.460p.696
Cited authorities in source: Harter (1991).
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Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.

Explore related topics

Atlas Connections

Abduction
Movement of a body part away from the midline (axis) of the trunk.
Adduction
Movement of a body part toward the midline (axis) of the trunk.
DepressionClosely related
Downward movement returning to the normal position from elevation.
ElevationClosely related
Upward movement, as in shrugging the shoulder girdles.
Shoulder / Arm Range of Motion
Arm flexion 135°, shoulder adduction 50°, shoulder hyperextension 45°, shoulder abduction 90–180°.
Trapezius
A muscle that functions as three different muscles — upper, middle, and lower traps — moving the scapula.