Reliability of Elbow Extension, Sensory Response, and Structural Differentiation of Upper Limb Tension Test A in a Healthy, Asymptomatic Population
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2019
Abstract
BACKGROUND:Median nerve neurodynamic testing is described in the literature with the scapula blocked and depressed and there are numerous descriptions of structural differentiation performed during testing. A better understanding of how these variables impact median nerve neurodynamic testing is warranted. PURPOSE:To compare the Upper Limb Tension Test A (ULTT A) with the scapula blocked and depressed to determine: the reliability of ULTT A with the scapula blocked and depressed; if there is a statistically significant difference between the left and right arms; and if there is a statistically significant difference for ULTT A with the scapula blocked or depressed. METHODS:This was a intertester and test-retest reliability and accuracy study. Elbow extension was measured with a standard goniometer. Sensory responses were captured with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Subjects were randomly tested by Rater, side, and by test condition. RESULTS:The NPRS and end range elbow extension had moderate to good intertester reliability. There were poor to moderate findings for reliability of structural differentiation. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between the left and right arms except for structural differentiation. There was a statistically significant difference between the scapula blocked vs scapula depressed test conditions except for the NPRS on the left arm (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS:ULTT A under the depressed scapula test condition is less reliable and more variable than the blocked scapula condition in the normal healthy population. Structural differentiation may not be a reliable or valid aspect of ULTT A.
DOI
10.3233/PPR-190130
Recommended Citation
Riley, S. P., Grimes, J. K., Ullucci, P. A., Boyle, E., Kuruc, B., & Naef, T. (2019). Reliability of elbow extension, sensory response, and structural differentiation of Upper Limb Tension Test A in a healthy, asymptomatic population. Physiotherapy Practice and Research, 40(2), 95-104. Doi: 10.3233/PPR-190130
Publication
Physiotherapy Practice and Research,
Volume
40
Issue
2
Publisher
IOS Press
Pages
95-104
Comments
At the time this article was researched and written Elizabeth Boyle, Brian Kuruc and Tyler Naef were students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Sacred Heart University.