RHOMBOID

STRENGTH TEST

​• Testing for

The strength of the rhomboid muscles.

​• Test positioning

The client is prone.

​• Action

The client abducts the affected shoulder to 90-degrees.

The client internally rotates arm their thumb pointing to the floor.

The client attempts to extend their affected arm then hold (grade 3 strength).

The therapist stabilizes the scapula on the affected shoulder with one hand while the other hand rests on the forearm of the affected shoulder.

The client attempts to extend their affected arm as the therapist resists (grade 5 strength).

​• Positive finding

The client cannot hold the arm in extension or cannot resist the therapist anteriorly directed pressure.

The Rhomboids Strength Test is based on the foundational work of Dr. Florence Kendall and Dr. Henry Otis Kendall in muscle testing, with additional insights from Dr. Vladimir Janda on muscle balance and function.