Upper Trapezius Strength Test

Purpose:
To asses the strength of the Upper Trapezius Muscle

Procedure:

• Patient is supine
• Patient abducts arm to 90°, flexes the elbows to 90°, and rest their dorsal hands on the table.
• Patientextends their neck. Therapist stabilizes the side being tested.
• Patient then rotates the head away the side being tested.
• Patient holds the head in this position.
• Patient keeps the position against gravity (Grade 3).
• Therapist apply pressure on the posterior head, slightly pushing the head anteriorly and obliquely away from the tested side.
• Patient tries to resist therapist’s pressure (Grade 5)

Positive Sign:
Weakness of the Upper Trapezius if the patient is unable to hold their neck against gravity or the therapist’s pressure