The purpose of this study was to establish a data base of normal shoulder strength of young adults using the Cybex II dynamometer and specially designed fixation devices. Fifty healthy subjects aged 21 to 40 years old (26 men, 24 women) were tested. The mean peak torque values of their shoulders were measured at speeds of 0 degree, 60 degrees, 180 degrees, and 300 degrees per second. Mean peak torque values generally decreased as speed increased. Men were significantly stronger than women for all motions and speeds tested. Shoulder extension torque was greatest followed by adduction, flexion, internal rotation, abduction, and external rotation. Torque production tended to be greater on the dominant side.