ELBOW FLEXION
TEST
• Test positioning
The client may sit or stand.
The therapist stands next to the client.
• Action
The client is instructed to maximally flex the elbow and hold this position for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Positive finding
Radiating pain into the median nerve distribution in the client's arm and/or hand (ie lateral forearm or tip of thumb, index and middle finger, lateral half of index finger) is a positive finding.
A positive test is indicative of cubital fossa syndrome.
• Special considerations & comments
This test may also be indicative of ulnar nerve compromise in the ulnar groove if radiating pain extends into the client's ulnar nerve distribution (ie the fifth digit and the medial aspect of the fourth digit).
The Elbow Flexion Test incorporates principles from Dr. Robert Elvey's work on neural tension assessment and Dr. James Cyriax's contributions to orthopedic medicine, particularly in diagnosing cubital tunnel syndrome.
