Measurement Snapshot
ReferenceTraditional reference: 180 degrees
Common Adult RangeCommon adult active range: 150 to 165 degrees
Primary MusclesAnterior deltoid, clavicular pectoralis major, coracobrachialis, biceps brachii
Compare active and passive shoulder flexion to separate strength or motor-control limits from capsular restriction. Use repeated measurements to track change, not to diagnose pathology in isolation.
Standardized Setup
- Patient Position
- Seat or stand the patient tall with a neutral lumbar spine, or place the patient supine on a firm table when trunk control is difficult.
- Stabilization
- Stabilize the trunk and scapula so the patient does not arch the back, shrug, or rotate the torso to gain extra range.
- Landmarks
- Align the axis near the lateral humeral head, the stationary reference with the lateral trunk, and the moving reference with the lateral humerus toward the lateral epicondyle.
Step-by-Step Protocol
- Calibrate the starting position with the arm at the side and the elbow extended.
- Ask the patient to raise the arm forward through a comfortable active range.
- Stop at the first clear compensation, pain-limited end range, or true maximum elevation.
- Record active ROM first, then document passive ROM separately if the clinical workflow requires it.
Common Measurement Errors
- Lumbar extension that makes the shoulder angle look larger than it is.
- Scapular elevation before the glenohumeral end range is reached.
- Phone placement drifting away from the lateral upper arm during the lift.
Cobb Angle Pro Workflow
- Open a new ROM measurement and choose Shoulder Flexion.
- Select live sensor mode when the phone is secured to the upper arm, or camera overlay mode when a clinician is holding the device.
- Zero the device at anatomical rest, capture the end-range value, and save the note with side, position, and active or passive label.
References
- Norkin CC, White DJ. Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry. 5th ed. F.A. Davis Company; 2016.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Joint Motion: Method of Measuring and Recording. Chicago: AAOS; 1965.