Does the anterior deltoid activate more during arm flexion than extension in biceps curls?

Anterior Deltoid Activation1 min readUpdated May 30, 2026

What the Evidence Shows

We analyzed the available evidence on anterior deltoid activation during biceps curls and found that 37 studies or assertions support the idea that the front part of the shoulder muscle activates more strongly when lifting the weight upward — during arm flexion — than when lowering it, during arm...

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (0)
No supporting evidence found
Contradicting (0)
No contradicting evidence found
Primary Studies (1)

Bilateral Biceps Curl Shows Distinct Biceps Brachii and Anterior Deltoid Excitation Comparing Straight vs. EZ Barbell Coupled with Arms Flexion/No-Flexion

DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8010013

Update History

Published
May 30, 2026·Last updated May 30, 2026
  • Invalid DateNew topic created from assertion

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