Apley Scratch Test / Dawnbarn’s Test

The Apley Scratch Test is a quick and dirty method to assess shoulder range of motion. It displays a patient’s functional capacity as it combines the movements of internal rotation with extension and adduction and lateral rotation with flexion and abduction.

 

Execution:

  1. Ask your patient to reach his hands behind the back with one arm from above and one below
  2. Switch arms

 

Study Reliability Sn Sp LR+ LR-
Magee et al. (2014) NA NA NA NA NA