We know that the supraspinatus plays a greater role during the first 15–30 degrees of humeral abduction (in simpler terms, the beginning of a lateral raise), while medial deltoid activation peaks between 90–120 degrees.

How can we use this to our advantage?

If your goal is to target the supraspinatus more, such as during rehab from a rotator cuff repair, you should focus on overloading the bottom range of the movement. One way to achieve this is by performing side-lying dumbbell lateral raises against a Swiss ball, an incline bench, or even lying on the floor.