Which of the following is the normal range for shoulder horizontal abduction?

• A. 0-15°
• B. 0-60°
• C. 0-90°
• D. 0-30°

Answer: (D)

Horizontal abduction is the motion of moving the arm away from the midline across the horizontal plane, typically tested with the shoulder stabilized so the movement reflects mainly the glenohumeral joint. The normal range for this motion is about 0 to 30 degrees. This relatively small arc reflects how that plane of motion is limited when the arm starts at the body and the joints and ligaments around the shoulder constrain how far the arm can swing backward without involving other regions like the scapulothoracic joints.

If you see larger ranges like 0-60 or 0-90 degrees, that often involves additional movement from the scapula or thorax, or may indicate a measurement technique that does not isolate the glenohumeral joint. A range as small as 0-15 degrees would be considered below normal for many individuals.