ISSA Strength and Conditioning Certification Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The muscle primarily responsible for the protraction of the scapulothoracic joint is the pectoralis major. This large muscle located in the chest plays a significant role in the movement of the scapula. When the pectoralis major contracts, it helps to pull the scapula forward and around the rib cage, resulting in protraction. This action is essential during various movements, such as pushing and reaching, where the shoulder blades need to move away from the spine to allow for greater range of motion and stability.

Other muscles listed, while they have important roles in shoulder and scapular movements, do not primarily facilitate protraction. The rhomboids, for instance, are involved in retracting the scapula towards the spine rather than pushing it forward. The trapezius has multiple functions, including elevation and upward rotation of the scapula and can contribute to retraction as well. Similarly, the latissimus dorsi primarily functions in shoulder extension, adduction, and internal rotation rather than in protracting the scapula. Understanding these anatomical roles helps clarify the specific movements each muscle primarily facilitates in order to apply this knowledge effectively in strength and conditioning settings.