ADSONS

MANEUVER

​• ​Test positioning

The client sits or stands.

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

​• ​Action

The therapist externally rotates and extends the client's test arm while palpating the radial pulse.

The client then extends and rotates the neck toward the test arm and takes a deep breath.

​• ​Positive finding

A diminished or absent radial pulse is indicative of thoracic outlet syndrome, secondary to compression of the subclavian artery by the scalene muscles.

​• ​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.