Execution
- 1Position the patient sitting.
- 2Ask the patient to place both hands together over the head.
- 3Stand behind the patient.
- 4Push the patient's elbows forward.
- 5Observe whether the scapula remains stabilized by contraction of all three trapezius parts.
Positive outcome
Failure to stabilize the scapula during forward pressure is abnormal. Magee notes that trapezius paralysis causes inferior scapular translation and lateral rotation of the inferior angle. Excess scapular elevation may reflect tight trapezius or cervical torticollis rather than weakness.
Studies
| Study | Reliability | Sn | Sp | LR+ | LR− |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brunnstrom (1941) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Levy et al. (2009) | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
CommentThis is a manual muscle and scapular-control assessment, not a diagnostic test for rotator cuff tear. It is useful when scapular winging, spinal accessory nerve palsy, or trapezius dysfunction is suspected. Interpretation depends on observation of scapular mechanics rather than Sn/Sp thresholds.