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PHYSIOPEDIA
Concentric

Single-arm supinated curl

Strengthen the biceps and its tendons.

CompleteAlso called: biceps curl, supinating curl

Why it is used in rehab

The long-head biceps tendon runs into the shoulder next to the supraspinatus, so many people with cuff pain also have biceps involvement; the biceps also helps restrain anterior dislocation (PDF pp. 364, 400).

Starting position

Stand, arm at your side, palm facing in.

Step-by-step

  1. Keeping the elbow near your side, curl the dumbbell up.
  2. Turn the palm up and toward you as you lift (supination); lower slowly.

Movement mechanics: Elbow flexion with supination.

📖 Rehab Science instructions paraphrased from the book’s exercise description

Coaching notes

Common mistakes
  • Swinging the body
  • Elbow drifting forward
Easier variation
  • Lighter weight
Advanced variation
  • 3-second lowering
ℹ Additional explanation

Where it appears in Rehab Science

ProtocolPhaseGroupPrescriptionPDF
Shoulder Pain3ExercisesDo 3 sets of 10–15 reps · Push sets to fatigue396
Shoulder Instability3ExercisesDo 3 sets of 10–15 reps · Push sets to fatigue414
Biceps Tendinopathy2Resistance ExercisesDo 3 sets of 10–15 reps · Push sets to fatigue · All banded exercises can be done using a cable machine452
Golfer’s Elbow3ExercisesDo 3 sets of 10–15 reps unless otherwise noted · Push sets to fatigue502
Source: Rehab Science · Ch 16 · PDF pp. 396–502show sources ▾

Page numbers are those of the uploaded PDF edition. "Find original" opens a PubMed search for the cited study.