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To help resolve longstanding uncertainties about kinematics of the shoulder, we studied three-dimensional glenohumeral joint motion during arm elevation. A magnetic tracking system was used to monitor the three-dimensional orientation of the humerus with respect to the scapula. Appropriate coordinate transformations were then performed for the calculation of glenohumeral joint rotation based on the defined Eulerian angle. The effects of the plane of elevation and the humeral rotation on the magnitude of arm elevation were documented. The maximum humeral elevation at the glenohumeral joint took place in a plane anterior to the scapular plane. Maximum elevation in all planes anterior to the scapular plane required external axial rotation of the humerus. Conversely, internal axial rotation was necessary for maximum elevation posterior to the scapular plane. Quantifying the obligatory axial rotation explains the relationship of internal and external rotation with maximum elevation.

The shoulder in swimming is subjected to multiple factors that can lead to a high injury rate. To prevent injury, one must understand the biomechanics of swimming. This paper describes the electromyographic and cinematographic findings of 12 shoulder muscles in competitive swimmers without shoulder pain. The results show the three heads of the deltoid and the supraspinatus functioning in synchrony to place the arm at hand entry and exit, the rhomboids and upper trapezius to position the scapula for the arm, the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi to propel the body, the subscapularis and serratus anterior as muscles with constant muscle activity, the teres minor functioning with the pectoralis major, and the infraspinatus active only to externally rotate the arm at midrecovery. This information is important to design optimal preventative and rehabilitative exercise programs.

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