NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What characterizes shoulder impingement syndrome?

1. Weakness of the deltoid muscle

2. Pinching of the supraspinatus muscle during abduction

3. Inflammation of the rotator cuff

4. Pain during flexion of the arm

The correct answer is: Pinching of the supraspinatus muscle during abduction

Shoulder impingement syndrome is characterized by the pinching of the supraspinatus muscle during arm abduction. This occurs when the shoulder joint experiences reduced space in the subacromial area, often due to swelling or anatomical irregularities. When the arm is raised, especially above shoulder level, the supraspinatus tendon can get trapped between the humeral head and the acromion, leading to discomfort and dysfunction. This impingement often manifests as pain and limited range of motion in activities involving overhead movements. While weakness of the deltoid muscle, inflammation of the rotator cuff, and pain during flexion of the arm are related to shoulder pathology, they are not specific to shoulder impingement syndrome. Weakness of the deltoid can occur in various shoulder conditions, inflammation of the rotator cuff is a broader issue that may not solely relate to impingement, and pain during flexion could arise from different shoulder disorders. Thus, the defining feature of shoulder impingement syndrome is indeed the pinching of the supraspinatus muscle during abduction.