The Hawkins Kennedy test is used to identify subacromial impingement of the supraspinatus tendon. This test is often used in combination with the Painful Arc Sign and Infraspinatus muscle test as a combination test for impingement.
How to Perform Hawkins Kennedy Test
Position of Patient: Patient is sitting or standing.
Performance: The examiner flexes the humerus and elbow to 90 degrees and internally rotates the shoulder, applying overpressure at end range.
How to Interpret Hawkins Kennedy Test
Positive Finding: The test is considered positive if the patient experiences pain during the exam. The Hawkins Kennedy test is considered a highly sensitive test, which means a negative test suggests impingement is unlikely.
Test Accuracy / Reliability / Evidence:
Hawkins Kennedy test Sensitivity and Specificity
Sensitivity = 0.74
Specificity = 0.57
+LR = 1.7
– LR = 0.46
Source: Alqunaee M, Galvin R, and Fahey T: Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for subacromial impingement syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2012; 93: pp. 229-236
The Hawkins Kennedy test is used to identify subacromial impingement of the supraspinatus tendon. This test is often used in combination with the Painful Arc Sign and Infraspinatus muscle test as a combination test for impingement.
To perform the Hawkins Kennedy test the patient may be sitting or standing with arm relaxed at side. The examiner should passively flex the patient’s shoulder and elbow and fully internally rotate the shoulder, applying overpressure in this position. A test is considered positive is the patient experiences pain along the superior aspect of the shoulder.
