Test: Shoulder Abduction Manual Muscle Test

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Shoulder abduction assesses the muscles and joints of the shoulder and can be useful in assessing the nerves supplying the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles.

Procedure

With the client seated on table and the arm at their side with the elbow slightly flexed.
The client is instructed to "lift out to the side to shoulder level. Hold it. Don't let me push it down."
The clinician should stand behind the patient assess for full range of motion as well as stability and smoothness of motion.
The clinician applies a downward pressure near the elbow.
The muscle grading is as follows:
Grade 5: Holds end test position against maximal downward resistance.
Grade 4: Holds end test position against strong to moderate downward resistance.
Grade 3: Completes range of motion to 90 degrees with no manual resistance.
Grade 2: Patient able to lift arm out to side.
Grade 1: Patient is able to hold shoulder in abduction. An alternate version involves the patient laying supine with client attempting shoulder abduction. The clinician palpates for engagement of the deltoid.
Performed: Unilaterally

Dialog

Resisted shoulder abduction testing.

Criteria

• Full range of motion.
• Strength against full resistance.

Measurement

LOINC Code

0

Scale/Grading

Pass/Fail