NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What type of movement does the term "shoulder flexion" describe?

1. Raising the arm forward

2. Rotating the arm outward

3. Moving the arm backward

4. Moving the arm sideways

The correct answer is: Raising the arm forward

Shoulder flexion refers to the movement that involves raising the arm forward in front of the body. This action occurs in the sagittal plane and involves the anterior deltoid and other muscles, such as the pectoralis major and biceps brachii, which help to lift the arm upward. When the arm is raised from a resting position or moved from a downward position to an upward position in front of the body, it is undergoing shoulder flexion, making this the correct description of the movement. In contrast, the other options describe different types of shoulder movements. Rotating the arm outward refers to external rotation, which involves moving the arm away from the body's midline. Moving the arm backward signifies shoulder extension, where the arm is moved behind the body. Moving the arm sideways pertains to shoulder abduction, where the arm is lifted to the side away from the body. Understanding these distinct movements is key to effectively training clients and assessing their range of motion and functionality.