Execution
- 1Position the patient prone with the test arm supported off the side of the table.
- 2Place the shoulder in a scapular-plane elevation position appropriate for cuff testing.
- 3Ask the patient to hold the arm position without trunk rotation or scapular substitution.
- 4Apply manual resistance into the direction that challenges elevation and external rotation.
- 5Compare pain, weakness, scapular compensation, and endurance with the opposite side.
Positive outcome
Pain, weakness, inability to hold the position, or substitution through scapular elevation or trunk movement is positive. The finding suggests posterior/superior cuff weakness but is not structure-specific.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly et al. (1996) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Chalmers et al. (2016) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CommentMagee discusses cuff muscle testing and cites EMG work on positions that activate supraspinatus and infraspinatus, but this exact prone combined-strength label is not a standalone diagnostic-accuracy test in the chapter. Use it as a strength/activation screen and document the exact angle used. Diagnostic value is low without a validated threshold.