Execution
- 1Position the patient in upright sitting or standing.
- 2Palpate the inferior angle of the scapula on the tested side.
- 3Ask the patient to actively flex the shoulder maximally.
- 4Observe and palpate the inferior angle near terminal flexion.
- 5Compare whether the inferior angle drops normally on the tested side versus the opposite side.
Positive outcome
The test is abnormal if the inferior angle does not drop approximately 1 to 2 cm around 170° of shoulder flexion. This suggests restriction of scapular depression during terminal elevation.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baertschi et al. (2013) | κ = 0.63-0.84 | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CommentThis is a terminal-elevation scapular mobility screen, not a tissue-specific diagnostic test. The expected depression is small, so poor palpation, body habitus, or inconsistent end-range effort can affect interpretation. Use it with AROM observation and scapulohumeral rhythm assessment rather than alone.