D1 Flexion UE Diagonals with a Dumbbell

Note: This exercise has been shown to elicit the highest % of MVIC (100%) for the seratus anterior of any of 10 commonly prescribed exercises for the serratus anterior and trapezius muscles (Ekstrom, Donatelli, Soderberg, 2003).

To Strengthen the Right Serratus Anterior:

  • The patient is standing with the feet hip width apart and a dumbbell held in the right hand.
  • They start with the right arm slightly abducted and internally rotated. Then ask the patient to bring the arm up and across their body turning the palm of the hand towards them as they cross the midline.
  • The movement is a combination of shoulder flexion, horizontal adduction and supination of the forearm.
  • They slowly lower the arm back to the original starting position.
  • Have them repeat 3-5 times initially, increasing to 10 repetitions and up to 3 sets as their strength improves.
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