Speed’s test – What is the purpose, indication and relevance?

Speed’s Test: Client is seated or standing with the affected shoulder flexed anteriorly to 90° and the arm supinated. Practitioner presses downward on arm while client resists. Test is repeated with client’s arm pronated.

Purpose:

• Assess long head of biceps brachii for tear or injury

Indications:

• Bicep tendonitis or muscle tear
• Shoulder pain

Relevance:

• Positive test – pain or weakness in the biceps brachii muscle and/or long head of the tendon that is worse with arm supinated is indicative of biceps brachii injury

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This post was written by Omar Rifai