Upper Limb Tension Tests

What are the contraindications of upper limb tension tests?

cauda equina syndrome or spinal cord lesion

neurological signs in acute phase or worsening

Describe how to start upper limb tension tests

always test good side first

maintain constant depression force on shoulders

Describe the sequence for testing upper limb tension tests

start with shoulder followed by forearm, wrist, fingers, and elbow last (because of its large range of motion)

Describe how to further sensitize joints during upper limb tension tests

add contralateral cervical spine side bending or flexion

Describe how to perform upper limb tension test 1

shoulder: depression and abduction 110 degrees

elbow: extension

forearm: supination

wrist: extension

fingers and thumb: extension

cervical spine: contralateral side flexion

Describe how to perform upper limb tension test 2

shoulder: depression and abduction 10 degrees lateral rotation

elbow: extension

forearm: supination

wrist: extension

fingers and thumb: extension

cervical spine: contralateral side flexion

Describe how to perform upper limb nerve tension test 3

shoulder: depression, medial rotation, abduction 40 degrees, extension 25 degrees

elbow: extension

forearm: pronation

wrist: flexion and ulnar deviation

fingers and thumb: flexion

cervical spine: contralateral side flexion

Describe how to perform upper limb nerve tension test 4

shoulder: depression, abduction 10-90 degrees, hand to ear, lateral rotation

elbow: flexion

forearm: supination or pronation

wrist: extension and radial deviation

fingers and thumb: extension

cervical spine: contralateral side flexion

Which nerve is being biased during ULNT1?

median nerve

anterior interosseous nerve

C5, C6, C7 nerve roots

Which nerve is being biased during ULNT2?

median nerve

musculocutaneous nerve

axillary nerve

Which nerve is being biased during ULNT3?

radial nerve

Which nerve is being biased during ULNT4?

ulnar nerve

C8, T1 nerve roots