During anti-Gravity MMT for Shoulder Horizontal Abduction, where is stabilization applied?

• A. Opposite Scapula
• B. Contralateral Shoulder
• C. Weight of Trunk on Table
• D. Clinician Stabilizes Scapula on Tested Side

Answer: (A)

Stabilization is placed on the opposite scapula to lock the shoulder girdle in place so the test measures effort at the glenohumeral joint, not from scapulothoracic or trunk movement. In anti-gravity shoulder horizontal abduction, the arm moves backward from a position near the body, and you want the force generated to come from the posterior shoulder muscles (like the posterior deltoid and external rotators) at the shoulder joint. Anchoring the contralateral scapula provides a stable thorax and prevents the scapula on the tested side or the trunk from compensating, which would otherwise muddy the isolation of the glenohumeral action.