Test: Elbow Extension - Manual Testing

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Background/Purpose

Elbow extension occurs due to the action of the Triceps Brachii. The three heads of this muscle include the long head which originates on the infraglenoid tuberosity of the scapula, the lateral head which originates on the posterior humerus and the medial head which originates on the humerus below the lateral head.
The muscle is innervated by the radial nerve originating from C7-8.
Range of motion for this muscle is 150-0 degrees.

Procedure

Subject is place in a seated position on the table and support is provided under the elbow. The elbow is placed in flexion to allow an good assessment of full strength. Alternatively, the subject can be placed prone on the table with the testing elbow hanging off the edge of the table at a 90 degree bend. The clinician may support the arm just proximal to the elbow. The opposite hand is used to place downward resistance on the dorsal surface of the wrist.
The clinician instruction to the patient is "Straighten your elbow. Hold it. Don't let me bend it."
The test may also be completed in a seated position which will be more challenging for the subject. Starting with the arm in a fully flexed position will also make for a more sensitive test.
Grade 5: Complete ROM and hold against maximal resistance.
Grade 4: Complete ROM and holds against moderate resistance but end point may not be firm.
Grade 3: Completes ROM with no manual resistance.
Grade 2: Completes a partial ROM while seated with elbow supported.
Garde 1: The examiner can palpate a contractile response in the distal tendon.
Grade 0: There is no palpable contractile response.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Resisted elbow extension test.

Criteria

• Completes full ROM
• Completes against maximal resistance

Measurement

0.00

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail