ROOS TEST

TEST POSITIONING

The client sits or stands with both shoulders in 90-degrees of abduction and external rotation, and the elbows in 90-degrees of flexion.

ACTION

The client rapidly opens and closes both hands for 3 minutes.

POSITIVE FINDING

The inability to maintain the test position diminished motor function of the hands, and/or loss of sensation in the upper extremities are indicative of thoracic outlet syndrome secondary to neurovascular compromise.

CONSIDERATIONS & COMMENTS

​This test evaluates both neural and vascular structures and is considered to be the most accurate clinical test for assessing thoracic outlet syndrome.

A therapist may find muscle fatigue present when performing the Roos test for an otherwise healthy population and should therefore use caution when documenting such findings with potential pathologically involved clients.