Joint Range of Motion (ROM)

Cervical Flexion

Range of motion from 0 to 45° while looking down.

Cervical Extension

Range of motion from 0 to 45° while looking up.

Cervical Lateral Flexion

Range of motion from 0 to 45° for bringing the ear toward the shoulder.

Cervical Rotation

Range of motion from 0 to 60° for turning the head left or right.

Memory Rule for Cervical Motions

Cervical motions are all 45°, except rotation, which is 60°.

Cervical Rotation Test

Turning the head to look over a shoulder tests cervical rotation.

Shoulder Flexion

Range of motion from 0 to 170° while reaching forward and overhead.

Shoulder Extension

Range of motion from 0 to 60° while moving the arm backward.

Shoulder Abduction

Range of motion from 0 to 170° while raising the arm out to the side.

Shoulder Internal Rotation (Adducted)

Range of motion from 0 to 60° with the arm at the side.

Shoulder External Rotation (Adducted)

Range of motion from 0 to 80° with the arm at the side.

Shoulder Internal Rotation (Abducted)

Range of motion from 0 to 70° with the arm raised.

Shoulder External Rotation (Abducted)

Range of motion from 0 to 90° with the arm raised.

Exam Tip for Shoulder Rotation

Always verify arm position first; rotation values increase by 10° when the shoulder is abducted.

Elbow Flexion

Range of motion from 0 to 135° to 150° while bending the elbow.

Functional Significance of Elbow Flexion

Bringing food, utensils, or a cup to the mouth during self-feeding.

Forearm Supination

Range of motion from 0 to 80° to 90° with the palm facing up.

Forearm Pronation

Range of motion from 0 to 80° to 90° with the palm facing down.

NBCOT Clue for Supination

Inability to turn the palm upward indicates impaired supination.

Cervical Quick Review

Cervical flexion, extension, and lateral flexion are all 45°, and rotation is 60°.

Shoulder Quick Review

Shoulder flexion and abduction are 170°, and extension is 60°.

Full Shoulder Rotation Range (Adducted)

Internal rotation 60° and external rotation 80°.

Full Shoulder Rotation Range (Abducted)

Internal rotation 70° and external rotation 90°.

Elbow Quick Review

Elbow flexion is 135° to 150°.

Forearm Quick Review

Supination and pronation range is 80° to 90°.

Core Clinical Takeaway

Connect each joint motion directly to occupational performance and daily tasks.