SPEED's TEST

​​• Test positioning

The client sits on a table or stands.

The involved shoulder is flexed to 90 degrees, the elbow is fully extended, and the forearm is supinated.

The therapist places one hand along the volar aspect of the client's forearm and the other hand on the proximal aspect of the client's humerus near the area of the bicipital groove.

​• Action

The therapist resists the client's attempt to actively flex the humerus forward.

​• Positive finding

Tenderness and/or pain in the bicipital groove is a positive finding that may suggest bicipital tendinitis.

​• Special considerations & comments

The therapist should carefully watch that the forearm is supinated and that the client does not use accessory muscles to mask any existing weakness.

Speed's Test, named after Dr. Robert Speed, was developed through his work in assessing biceps tendon pathology.

Contributions from Dr. James Cyriax have further refined its application in clinical settings.