APPREHENSION TEST (ANTERIOR)

​• ​Test positioning

The client lies supine on a table.

​• ​Action

With the client's involved shoulder in 90-degrees of abduction and the elbow in 90-degrees of flexion the therapist slowly externally rotates the shoulder.

​• ​Positive finding

A positive finding for this test can be interpreted if the client looks apprehensive or expresses feelings of apprehension toward further movement in the externally rotated direction.

This test is used to mimic the positioning and movement of an anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint, thus recreating a client's episode of instability.

​• Special considerations & comments

Simple indication or reporting of apprehension to a movement does not necessarily indicate a dislocation of the glenohumeral joint.