RHOMBOID
STRENGTH TEST
• Testing for
The strength of the rhomboid muscles.
• Test positioning
The client is prone.
• Action
The client abducts the affected shoulder to 90-degrees.
The client internally rotates arm their thumb pointing to the floor.
The client attempts to extend their affected arm then hold (grade 3 strength).
The therapist stabilizes the scapula on the affected shoulder with one hand while the other hand rests on the forearm of the affected shoulder.
The client attempts to extend their affected arm as the therapist resists (grade 5 strength).
• Positive finding
The client cannot hold the arm in extension or cannot resist the therapist anteriorly directed pressure.