Execution
- 1Position the patient supine with the arm by the side and the elbow flexed to 90° for the initial resisted isometric screen.
- 2Test shoulder flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation with the instruction, "Do not let me move you."
- 3Test resisted elbow flexion and extension because the biceps and triceps cross both the elbow and shoulder regions.
- 4Record pain, weakness, rupture signs, and whether the scapula protracts, wings, tilts, or moves during the contraction.
- 5Repeat testing in different shoulder positions if the history indicates symptoms occur in a specific functional position.
Positive outcome
Abnormal findings: pain, weakness, rupture signs, or scapular motion during the contraction.
Interpretation- Pain with contraction: contractile-tissue involvement
- Weakness without pain: rupture, inhibition, or neurological involvement
- Scapular motion during isometric testing: abnormal (scapula should remain stable)
This is a contractile-tissue screen, not a validated diagnostic test for one tendon. Several muscles contribute to most shoulder motions, so correlate painful resisted directions with AROM/PROM findings and the patient functional complaint.
CommentThis is a contractile-tissue screen rather than a validated diagnostic test for one tendon. Magee recommends correlating painful resisted directions with AROM/PROM findings and testing positions that reproduce the patient’s functional complaint. Interpretation is limited because several muscles contribute to most shoulder motions.