Speed's Test |
Other Names |
Biceps Test,
Straight-Arm Test |
Examination type |
Tendon
pathology/integrity |
Patient & Body Segment Positioning |
The patient
is seated
with the involved shoulder at 90degrees, the
elbow fully extended, and the forearm supinated. |
Examiner Position |
The examiner
should to the side of the patient on the side of the involved
shoulder. The examiner palpates the bicipital groove of the
involved shoulder with one hand places the other hand on the
patient’s wrist to apply resistance. |
Tissues
Being Tested |
Long head of
Biceps tendon |
Performing the Test |
While the
patient actively flexes the shoulder keeping the elbow extended,
the examiner resists forward flexion of the arm while palpating
the patient's biceps tendon over the anterior aspect of the
shoulder. The test should then be repeated with the patient’s
forearm pronated. |
Positive Test |
Pain or
tenderness in the bicipital groove (especially with forearm
supinated) |
Interpretation |
Tenderness
indicates bicep tendonitis, paratenonitis, or tendinosis |
Common errors in
performing exam |
Incorrect
hand positioning is often a common error in performing this
exam. Also, the examiner should palpate the biceps tendon in
the bicipital groove and should test bilaterally for comparison.
|
Factors possibly
resulting in misinterpretation |
This test
may elicit pain if a SLAP lesion of the labrum is present and
therefore produce a false positive test. Also if profound
weakness is present on resisted supination, severe 2nd
or 3rd degree strain of distal biceps should be
suspected. |
Related tests |
Yergason's
test, Ludington’s test, Gilchrest’s Sign, Lippman’s test,
Heuter’s sign |
References |
Magee, David
J. (2002). Orthopedic Physical Assessment. Philadelphia,
PA: Elsevier. |
Links: |
http://www.fpnotebook.com/ORT121.htm
http://goaggies.cameron.edu/training/study21 |
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