Supra- and Infraspinatus Strength Test in ER0

Execution:

1. The patient is in sitting position
2. Patient flexes the elbow to 90° and keeps the arm close to the body
3. The patient is asked to externally rotate the arm, while you apply resistance

 

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 while lowering the activity of other shoulder muscles. Better: Prone (see following page)