Upper Trapezius Strength Test

​TESTING FOR:

​To assess the strength of the Upper Trapezius Muscle.

PROCEDURE:

The client is supine.

The client abducts their arm to 90°, flexes the elbows to 90°, and rests their dorsal hands on the table.

The client extends their neck. The therapist stabilizes the side being tested.

The client then rotates the head away from the side being tested.

The client holds the head in this position.

The client keeps the position against gravity (Grade 3).

The therapist applies pressure on the posterior head, slightly pushing the head anteriorly and obliquely away from the tested side.

The client tries to resist the therapist’s pressure (Grade 5).

POSITIVE SIGN:

Weakness of the Upper Trapezius if the client is unable to hold their neck against gravity or the therapist’s pressure.