The Shoulder Adduction Strength Test measures how much force a client can produce when pulling or pushing the arm toward the side of the body against resistance. It is commonly used to assess isometric shoulder adduction force output in a controlled setup.

Shoulder adduction strength can provide useful context for pulling, carrying, climbing, swimming, throwing, contact sport, gym training, workplace tasks, shoulder strength profiling and progress tracking. The main contributors include latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, teres major and other shoulder and scapular stabilising muscles, although trunk position, scapular control, arm angle, device placement and client confidence can all influence the result.

The Muscle Meter is a handheld dynamometry tool used to measure force output during push, pull and isometric strength assessments. When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force, which is the highest force value produced during the test. When used with Measurz, Muscle Meter data can be recorded and analysed with a broader set of strength and force-time metrics, including peak force, impulse, torque, rate of torque development, rate of force development, time to peak and fatigue index.

For routine shoulder adduction testing, peak force is usually the main metric. Force as a percentage of body weight may be useful if directly calculated from the client’s test force and body weight, especially for baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison and retesting. Rate of force development and time to peak may be useful when rapid shoulder adduction force matters, such as swimming, climbing, throwing, grappling or contact sport. Impulse may be useful if sustained adduction force over a defined time window is intentionally tested. Fatigue index is only relevant if repeated or sustained shoulder adduction efforts are part of the protocol.

The result can support assessment reasoning and progress tracking, but it does not diagnose shoulder pathology, pectoralis injury, latissimus injury, tendon pathology, nerve involvement, instability, pain source or readiness for sport or work on its own.

What Is the Shoulder Adduction Strength Test?

The Shoulder Adduction Strength Test is an isometric upper-limb strength assessment where the client pushes or pulls the arm toward the side of the body into the Muscle Meter, strap or fixed setup without visible shoulder movement. The device may be placed against the medial arm, distal upper arm, forearm or attached to a strap/handle depending on the chosen protocol.

The movement direction is shoulder adduction. The purpose of the test is to measure how much force the client can produce while holding a specific shoulder and arm position.

Consistent setup matters because shoulder angle, elbow angle, scapular position, trunk position, device placement, lever length, strap angle and client effort can all affect the result. This test measures force output in a specific setup. It does not fully measure pulling ability, swimming performance, climbing capacity, pectoral or latissimus tissue status, endurance, pain source or sport/work readiness on its own.

Step-by-Step Protocol / Practice

1. Prepare the client

Explain that the test measures how strongly they can pull or push the arm toward the side of the body into the Muscle Meter. Record baseline symptoms, shoulder pain, chest wall symptoms, neck symptoms, elbow or wrist symptoms, paraesthesia, fatigue, recent pulling or overhead activity, recent training load and confidence with maximal effort.

Use at least one submaximal practice trial so the client understands the direction of force and learns to build force smoothly without trunk leaning, shoulder hiking or breath holding.

2. Set the client position

Shoulder adduction can be tested seated, standing, supine or side-lying depending on the protocol and available setup. A common setup is seated or standing with the shoulder abducted to a defined angle, then the client pushes or pulls toward adduction against the device or strap.

Record:

• Seated, standing, supine, side-lying or other position
• Test side
• Shoulder abduction/adduction start angle
• Plane of movement
• Elbow angle
• Forearm position
• Wrist position
• Trunk position
• Scapular position if observed
• Device contact point or handle position
• Whether a strap or fixed anchor was used
• Whether symptoms were present before testing

The trunk should remain upright and stable. The client should avoid leaning toward the tested side, rotating the body, shrugging or using the trunk to create force.

3. Set up the device or straps

For a handheld setup, the professional holds the Muscle Meter against the arm while the client pushes into adduction. For stronger clients or improved repeatability, a strap-stabilised, handle-based or fixed setup may be used.

If using a strap, handle or anchor, record:

• Anchor point
• Strap angle
• Strap length
• Handle position
• Device position
• Arm position
• Whether any pre-tension was used
• Whether the anchor, strap or handle moved during testing

Handheld, strap-stabilised, handle-based and fixed-frame scores should be recorded separately unless the protocol supports direct comparison.

4. Place the device, strap or handle

Place the Muscle Meter, strap or handle so the client can produce shoulder adduction force from the selected arm position. Use the same contact point at retest. Avoid uncomfortable pressure over bony or sensitive areas.

The force direction should match shoulder adduction. The client should push or pull the arm toward the side of the body without leaning the trunk, shrugging or changing the shoulder angle.

5. Stabilise the position

Stabilise the trunk and shoulder girdle as appropriate so the client does not compensate with trunk side-bending, trunk rotation, shoulder hiking, elbow movement, wrist pushing or whole-body bracing.

The aim is controlled shoulder adduction force in the chosen position.

6. Give clear instructions

Use consistent instructions such as:

“Pull your arm down and in toward your body as hard as you can and hold.”
“Build up smoothly, then push or pull hard.”
“Keep your body still.”
“Do not shrug or lean.”
“Keep your wrist and elbow position steady.”
“Keep breathing.”
“Tell me if you feel shoulder pain, chest pain, neck pain, tingling, weakness, dizziness or anything unusual.”

Use the same wording at retest where possible.

7. Record trials

Use 1–2 practice trials, then record 2–3 maximal trials. A common contraction duration is 3–5 seconds. Rest for 30–60 seconds between trials, or longer if symptoms, fatigue, pain or apprehension occur.

Record whether the final score uses the best trial or the average of recorded trials. Either approach may be used if it is applied consistently.

8. Identify invalid trials

Repeat or mark a trial as invalid if:

• The trunk leans or rotates
• The shoulder shrugs significantly
• The arm angle changes before or during the effort
• The elbow or wrist position changes
• The device, strap or handle slips
• The strap or anchor moves
• The client pushes with the trunk rather than the shoulder
• Pain, paraesthesia or neurological symptoms limit effort
• The client starts before the device is ready
• The client holds their breath excessively
• The professional cannot hold the device steady

9. Record symptoms

Record shoulder pain, chest wall symptoms, neck symptoms, elbow symptoms, wrist symptoms, paraesthesia, clicking, apprehension, confidence and symptom response after testing. Do not repeatedly test through worsening symptoms, significant paraesthesia, strong apprehension, chest pain or high pain.

For retesting, match the same body position, shoulder angle, plane of movement, device placement, strap/handle setup, instructions, contraction duration, rest period, scoring method and symptom recording.

Why It Is Used

The Shoulder Adduction Strength Test is used to quantify shoulder adduction force output in a repeatable setup. It may be useful for:

• Baseline shoulder strength assessment
• Side-to-side comparison
• Monitoring change over time
• Shoulder strength profiling
• Comparing adduction with abduction, extension, flexion and rotation strength
• Supporting swimming, climbing, throwing, grappling and contact sport assessment reasoning
• Supporting workplace assessment where pulling, lifting, carrying or reaching is relevant
• Tracking symptom response to resisted shoulder adduction
• Client education
• Fitness and performance progress tracking

The test should support assessment reasoning. It should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic, injury-risk, performance-prediction or clearance measure.

What It Measures

The test primarily measures isometric shoulder adduction force output in the chosen setup. It reflects the client’s ability to produce inward or downward arm force while controlling trunk, scapular and shoulder position.

It may provide useful information about:

• Shoulder adduction force capacity
• Side-to-side force difference
• Force relative to body weight, if calculated
• Confidence producing shoulder force
• Symptom response during resisted adduction
• Change in force over time
• Relationship between shoulder strength and related sport, work or daily-life tasks

It does not directly measure:

• Cause of shoulder pain
• Pectoralis or latissimus tissue status
• Tendon pathology
• Shoulder joint structure
• Nerve function
• Pulling skill
• Swimming performance
• Climbing readiness
• Work readiness
• Sport readiness

Understanding the Result, Reference Values and What to Look For

What a higher or lower result may suggest

A higher score may suggest greater shoulder adduction force output in that specific setup. A lower score may suggest reduced adduction force output, but the reason should be interpreted carefully.

Lower force may be influenced by pain, apprehension, poor familiarisation, fatigue, guarding, inconsistent device placement, reduced confidence, neck symptoms, shoulder symptoms, chest wall symptoms, scapular compensation, trunk leaning or professional strength if using manual resistance.

One result should not be interpreted in isolation. Interpretation is strongest when the same setup is repeated over time and reviewed alongside symptoms, confidence, shoulder range of motion, shoulder abduction, extension, flexion, internal rotation, external rotation, scapular control, sport demands and work tasks.

What can influence the result

Important influences include:

• Shoulder pain
• Chest wall symptoms
• Neck symptoms
• Apprehension
• Poor familiarisation
• Fatigue
• Guarding
• Shoulder angle
• Testing plane
• Elbow angle
• Lever length
• Device or handle placement
• Strap angle
• Trunk stabilisation
• Shoulder shrugging
• Scapular position
• Breath holding
• Client confidence
• Professional strength if using handheld resistance

Normative, reference and comparative values

Published Muscle Meter-specific universal norms for shoulder adduction are limited. Reference values should therefore be used as context only and not as direct targets unless the protocol is closely matched.

More user-friendly comparison data include:

• The original shoulder adduction article reports broad example values of approximately 32–36 kg for males and 20–24 kg for females aged 20–29 years.
• It also reports broad example values of approximately 26–28 kg for males and 16–18 kg for females aged 60–69 years.
• These values are useful because they are already expressed as simple force values in kilograms, but they should not be treated as Muscle Meter pass/fail targets unless the body position, shoulder angle, contact point, lever length and testing method are closely matched.
• For repeated testing, the client’s own baseline, side-to-side comparison, symptoms and test consistency are usually more useful than broad population values.
• For side-to-side comparison, a difference of around 10% or more is often worth reviewing more closely, especially if it matches symptoms, previous injury, confidence changes, sport exposure or functional limitations. This should not be used as a strict pass/fail cut-off.
• Comparing adduction with abduction can also be useful. A large difference between directions may provide context, especially when paired with symptoms, overhead tasks, pulling tasks, climbing, swimming or contact sport demands.
• If force is recorded as a percentage of body weight in Measurz, use it mainly for baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison and repeated testing under the same setup.

These values and comparisons are best used as context. They can help structure interpretation, but they should not be used as diagnostic, injury-risk, performance-prediction, clearance or pass/fail cut-offs.

Practical interpretation priorities

Use this order:

1. Compare with the client’s own baseline.
2. Compare right and left shoulders if the opposite side is symptom-free.
3. Review force relative to body weight where calculated.
4. Compare adduction with abduction, extension, flexion and rotation strength where relevant.
5. Consider symptoms during and after testing.
6. Consider confidence and effort quality.
7. Review whether compensations were present.
8. Compare with shoulder range of motion and pulling or overhead task tolerance.
9. Relate the result to sport, gym, work or daily-life demands.
10. Retest under the same conditions to monitor change.
11. Do not use reference values as pass/fail criteria.

What to look at for each relevant Muscle Meter metric

Peak force
Use for maximum shoulder adduction force output, baseline strength, side-to-side comparison, direction-to-direction comparison and progress tracking. Look for best score or average score, consistent setup, change from baseline, symptom response and whether compensations occurred.

Force as percentage of body weight
Use only when calculated directly from test force and body weight. It may help internal monitoring and comparison between sides, but it should not be treated as a universal target unless the comparison data use the same protocol.

Torque
Use only when lever arm is measured and a more biomechanical interpretation is needed. It can help when contact point or arm length changes the raw force reading. It should not be used as normative data unless the reference data match the setup closely.

Rate of force development
Use when rapid shoulder adduction force matters, such as swimming, climbing, throwing, grappling or contact sport. Look for early force production and whether rate of force development changes while peak force stays similar.

Time to peak
Use to understand whether force is produced quickly or gradually. A slower time to peak may reflect caution, pain, apprehension, poor cueing or a true force-production difference.

Impulse
Use only if a defined sustained force window is intentionally tested. It may help when the aim is to understand force maintained over a brief adduction contraction.

Fatigue index
Use only if repeated or sustained shoulder adduction efforts are part of the protocol. Look for drop-off across repeated trials and whether the decline matches symptoms, fatigue or apprehension.

Assessing and Providing Context for Different Client Populations

Youth clients
Consider growth, maturity, coordination, sport exposure, confidence and familiarisation. Use conservative interpretation because effort, attention and testing confidence can influence the result.

Adults and general fitness clients
Use the test for baseline shoulder strength, progress tracking and comparison with other shoulder directions. Compare results with range of motion, pulling tolerance, overhead tolerance, exercise exposure and symptoms.

Older adults
Consider comfort, shoulder mobility, neck symptoms, fatigue and confidence. Use a comfortable testing angle and avoid repeated maximal efforts if symptoms are provoked.

Athletes and sport clients
Consider swimming, climbing, throwing, gymnastics, grappling, contact sport and overhead lifting demands. Shoulder adduction strength can support profiling, but it should not be used alone to judge sport readiness.

Workplace and manual task clients
Consider pulling, lifting, carrying, pushing, reaching, overhead work and sustained arm positions. Do not use one score to clear work duties.

Clients returning after injury
Use the test to monitor force output, confidence and symptom response. Strength alone should not confirm readiness.

Clients with pain or persistent symptoms
Pain, fear, guarding, fatigue, apprehension and confidence may reduce force. Record symptom response carefully and compare with related tests.

Higher body mass clients
Absolute force and force relative to body mass may both be useful. Interpret results in relation to goals, symptoms, body size, arm length and functional demands, not assumptions about body size.

Reliability, Validity and Measurement Considerations

Repeatability improves when the same setup is used each time. Record and standardise:

• Same body position
• Same test side order
• Same shoulder angle
• Same movement plane
• Same elbow angle
• Same forearm and wrist position
• Same trunk stabilisation
• Same scapular observation
• Same device, strap or handle placement
• Same anchor setup, if used
• Same contraction duration
• Same rest period
• Same instructions
• Same scoring method
• Same symptom and compensation recording

Shoulder adduction strength testing is setup-dependent. Small changes in shoulder angle, plane, lever length, contact point or trunk stabilisation can change the score. For stronger clients, handheld resistance may be limited by professional strength. Strap-stabilised, handle-based or fixed setups can improve repeatability.

Common Errors and Limitations

Common errors include:

• Trunk leaning
• Trunk rotation
• Shoulder shrugging
• Arm angle changing
• Testing in a different plane
• Device or handle placement changing between trials
• Elbow or wrist position changing the lever
• Breath holding
• Testing through worsening symptoms
• Strap or anchor movement
• Poor familiarisation
• Comparing different protocols directly
• Treating the score as a diagnosis

Limitations include:

• Testing is setup-dependent
• Manual resistance may be limited by professional strength
• Muscle Meter-specific universal norms may be limited
• Published shoulder adduction values vary by device, posture, arm angle and population
• Pain, apprehension or guarding can reduce force output
• Peak force does not measure endurance, coordination or pulling skill
• Strong force or symmetry does not automatically indicate readiness for sport or work

Practical Applications

The Shoulder Adduction Strength Test may be useful for:

• Baseline shoulder strength assessment
• Monitoring response to exercise or intervention
• Right-to-left shoulder strength comparison
• Shoulder direction-to-direction profiling
• Swimming, climbing, throwing and contact sport strength profiling
• Occupational shoulder strength profiling
• Comparing with shoulder abduction, flexion, extension, internal rotation, external rotation, range of motion and endurance tests
• Client education
• Fitness and performance progress tracking

Ideas to Make the Result Better

If force is low on both sides, consider assessing shoulder range of motion, abduction strength, extension strength, internal rotation strength, external rotation strength, scapular control, neck symptoms, pulling exposure and familiarisation.

If one side is lower, compare with symptoms, previous injury, sport or work demands, range of motion, shoulder rotation strength and test setup.

If symptoms limit the result, record symptom location and type, review test angle and compare with related findings rather than forcing repeated maximal trials.

If force improves but symptoms remain, consider reviewing endurance, range of motion, pulling workload, overhead workload, sport exposure and recovery between sessions.

If the client is improving, keep the same test setup and monitor whether force, symptoms, confidence and function improve together.

Recommended Standard Protocol Summary

Position: Seated, standing, supine, side-lying or chosen shoulder adduction test position
Start position: Shoulder at recorded angle and plane
Joint or trunk angle: Record shoulder angle, plane, elbow angle, trunk position and scapular observation
Trials: 1–2 practice trials, then 2–3 recorded trials per side
Contraction duration: 3–5 seconds
Rest: 30–60 seconds between efforts; longer if symptoms occur
Metric: Peak force, side-to-side difference, plus percentage of body weight if directly calculated
Attachment or device setup: Muscle Meter against arm or connected to a strap, handle or anchor with consistent contact point
Final score: Best trial or average of trials
Key retesting requirement: Same body position, side order, shoulder angle, movement plane, device placement, instructions, contraction duration, rest and scoring method

FAQs

What does the Shoulder Adduction Strength Test measure?

It measures isometric shoulder adduction force output in a specific setup.

Which muscles contribute to shoulder adduction?

Key contributors include latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major and teres major, with scapular and trunk control also influencing the result.

Should both shoulders be tested?

Yes. Testing both sides allows side-to-side comparison, which is often more useful than interpreting one isolated value.

Should the result be recorded as percentage of body weight?

It can be if calculated directly from force and body weight. This is useful for internal comparison but should not be treated as a universal target.

Are there universal shoulder adduction norms for the Muscle Meter?

Published universal Muscle Meter norms for this exact protocol appear limited. Baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison and repeated testing are usually more useful.

What numerical values are available for comparison?

Broad example values include approximately 32–36 kg for males and 20–24 kg for females aged 20–29 years, and approximately 26–28 kg for males and 16–18 kg for females aged 60–69 years. These are context values, not pass/fail targets.

Can this test diagnose a shoulder injury?

No. It can measure force output and symptom response, but it does not diagnose a condition or explain symptoms on its own.

What can make the result unreliable?

Changing shoulder angle, trunk leaning, shoulder shrugging, device or handle placement, pain, fatigue and inconsistent instructions can affect results.

What should be recorded in Measurz?

Record side, position, shoulder angle, movement plane, device or handle placement, peak force, symptoms, confidence, compensations, bodyweight-relative value if calculated, scoring method and related findings.

Key Takeaways

• The Shoulder Adduction Strength Test measures isometric shoulder adduction force output.
• Peak force is usually the main routine Muscle Meter metric.
• Side-to-side comparison is especially useful when the opposite side is symptom-free.
• Broad example values include 32–36 kg for males and 20–24 kg for females aged 20–29, but protocols vary.
• Percentage of body weight should only be used when calculated directly from force and body weight.
• Baseline comparison, symptom response and retesting consistency are more useful than broad norms.
• Measurz should capture side, setup, symptoms, force, confidence, compensations and retesting conditions.

References

Andrews, A. W., Thomas, M. W., & Bohannon, R. W. (1996). Normative values for isometric muscle force measurements obtained with hand-held dynamometers. Physical Therapy, 76(3), 248–259. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/76.3.248

Morin, M., Hébert, L. J., Perron, M., Petitclerc, É., Lake, S.-R., & Duchesne, E. (2023). Psychometric properties of a standardized protocol of muscle strength assessment by hand-held dynamometry in healthy adults: A reliability study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 24, 294. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-023-06400-2

Stark, T., Walker, B., Phillips, J. K., Fejer, R., & Beck, R. (2011). Hand-held dynamometry correlation with the gold standard isokinetic dynamometry: A systematic review. PM&R, 3(5), 472–479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2010.10.025

Vermeulen, H. M., de Bock, G. H., van Houwelingen, H. C., van der Meer, R. L., Mol, M. C., Plus, B. T., Rozing, P. M., & Vliet Vlieland, T. P. M. (2005). A comparison of two portable dynamometers in the assessment of shoulder and elbow strength. Physiotherapy, 91(2), 101–112.