College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What motion does an inferior (caudal) glide of the humeral head on the scapular fossa aim to improve?

1. Flexion

2. Extension

3. Abduction

4. Adduction

The correct answer is: Abduction

An inferior (caudal) glide of the humeral head on the scapular fossa is primarily aimed at improving abduction of the shoulder joint. This technique is grounded in the biomechanics of the shoulder. During abduction, the humeral head must roll superiorly while gliding inferiorly in order to maintain proper joint mechanics and prevent impingement. The inferior glide allows for a greater range of motion when raising the arm away from the body. It helps accommodate the movement of the shoulder joint in a way that supports the upward motion of the arm. This relationship between the glide of the humeral head and the direction of shoulder movements is crucial for effective treatment and rehabilitation strategies in massage therapy and physical therapy settings. In contrast, flexion and extension movements of the shoulder primarily involve a forward or backward motion and do not require the same inferior glide to be effectively executed. Adduction, which brings the arm closer to the body, does not involve the same mechanics requiring an inferior glide for optimal movement. Therefore, the specific aim of an inferior glide is to facilitate the abduction of the arm at the shoulder joint.