Supraspinatus + Infraspinatus Strength Test in Prone

Execution:

  1. The patient lies in prone position with the shoulder abducted to 90° and the elbow flexed to 90°
  2. Ask the patient to externally rotate the shoulder, while you apply resistance at the wrist

 

Positive Outcome: Weakness and/or pain compared to the other side

Study Reliability Sn Sp LR+ LR-
Boettcher et al. (2009b) NA NA NA NA NA
Comment: This position has been shown to activate the supraspinatus and infraspinatus maximally while minimizing the activity of other shoulder muscles