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

Which of the following actions is not associated with the scapula?

1. protraction

2. upward rotation

3. supination

4. elevation

The correct answer is: supination

The action described as "supination" is not associated with the scapula, making it the correct choice in this context. Supination refers primarily to the movement of the forearm and hand, where the palm is turned upwards (or forwards, depending on the position of the body). It is a rotational movement involving the radius and ulna bones in the forearm. On the other hand, the other actions mentioned—protraction, upward rotation, and elevation—are all movements that directly involve the scapula. Protraction refers to the scapula moving away from the spine, such as when rounding the shoulders forward. Upward rotation involves the lateral movement of the scapula around the thorax, which is essential for raising the arms overhead. Elevation involves the scapula moving upward, like when shrugging the shoulders. Understanding the significance of these movements is crucial for professionals working in fields related to anatomy and kinesiology, particularly for massage therapists who must be aware of musculoskeletal dynamics when treating patients.