ACSM Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

The primary action of the shoulder adduction exercise is to?

1. Stabilize the shoulder joint

2. Pull shoulders down towards the body

3. Raise arms directly in front of the body

4. Extend the arms back

The correct answer is: Pull shoulders down towards the body

The primary action of the shoulder adduction exercise is to pull the shoulders down towards the body. This movement involves bringing the arms closer to the torso and is crucial for various functional activities. In shoulder adduction, muscles such as the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, and teres major are engaged, allowing for a maximum range of motion as the arms move from an extended position back toward the body's midline. This action not only strengthens these muscles but also helps to improve overall stability and control of the shoulder joint. Other potential actions in the options reflect different movements that do not describe shoulder adduction accurately. Stabilizing the shoulder joint involves a different set of muscular contractions and focus, not primarily moving the arms toward the body. Raising arms directly in front of the body corresponds more to shoulder flexion, while extending the arms back relates to shoulder extension or horizontal abduction. Thus, the correct understanding focuses on the adduction movement and its role of guiding the shoulders and arms towards the centerline of the body.