FEAGIN TEST

​• ​Test positioning

 

The client stands with their involved arm abducted to 90 degrees.

 

The elbow is extended and allowed to rest on the therapist's shoulder.

 

The therapist stands to the side of the client and clasps their hands together around the upper and middle thirds of the client's humerus.

 

​• ​Action

 

The therapist attempts to glide the humerus in an anterior and inferior direction.

 

​• ​Positive finding

 

Excessive gliding of the humerus (as compared to the noninvolved side) may be indicative of anterior and/or inferior glenohumeral instability.

 

​• ​Special considerations & comments

 

​The client may appear to be apprehensive when performing this test.

 

If so, the therapist can only conclude that the test is not sensitive enough to assess instability unless the therapist is able to judge accessory motion compared to the uninvolved side.

 

Apprehension alone cannot be used to predict glenohumeral instability.