ALLENS

TEST

​• ​Test positioning

The client sits or stands with the test shoulder in 90-degrees of abduction and external rotation, and the elbow in 90-degrees of flexion.

The therapist stands with fingers over the radial artery (distally).

​• ​Action

The client rotates the neck away from the test arm while the therapist palpates the radial pulse.

​• ​Positive finding

A diminished or absent radial pulse is indicative of thoracic outlet syndrome.

​• ​Special considerations & comments

This test assesses vascular structures only and has a high incidence (>50%) of false-positive findings.

The therapist should record the rate and rhythm of the pulse as reduced or altered, as opposed to one that is completely diminished.