The Apley Scratch test is a quick movement test to screen for shoulder ROM and general flexibility. It does not provide the examiner with specific information about shoulder pathology besides general stiffness or decreased flexibility.
How to Perform Apley Scratch Test
Position of Patient: Patient is sitting or standing with arm relaxed at side.
Performance: Instruct the patient to reach one arm over the shoulder and one arm behind the back, attempting to touch their hands together. Repeat the motion on the other side to compare overall flexibility and range of motion.
How to Interpret Apley Scratch Test
Positive Finding: The test is considered positive if the patient demonstrates inconsistent ROM or lacks the ability to reach a similar position when switching arms. It is common for the patient’s dominant arm to have less mobility due to increased muscle stiffness.
Apley Scratch Test Video
The Apley Scratch test is a quick movement test to screen for shoulder ROM and general flexibility. It does not provide the examiner with specific information about shoulder pathology besides general stiffness or decreased flexibility.
Patient is sitting or standing with arm relaxed at side.
To perform the apley scratch test, instruct the patient to reach one arm over the shoulder and one arm behind the back, attempting to touch their hands together. Repeat the motion on the other side to compare overall flexibility and range of motion.
The test is considered positive if the patient demonstrates inconsistent ROM or lacks the ability to reach a similar position when switching arms. It is common for the patient’s dominant arm to have less mobility due to increased muscle stiffness.
Read on for more information on shoulder special tests.