Purpose of Test: To test for the presence of AC joint dysfunction or subacromial impingement.
Test Position: Sitting or standing.
Performing the Test: The examiner should stand behind the patient on the side being tested. Grasp the patient’s arm just disal to the elbow and passively flex the patient’s shoulder to 90 degrees. Then maximally adduct the patient’s shoulder (bring it across their body towards the other shoulder). A positive test is considered if the patient reports pain during the adduction motion or localized pain in the AC joint.
Importance of Test: This test produces compressive forces on the rotator cuff that are localized under the AC joint. While the test can be considered for subacromial impingement syndrome, it is more likely to reproduce osteoarthritic pain at the AC joint.
Note: these tests should only be performed by properly trained health care practitioners.
Reference: "Diagnostic values of clinical diagnostic tests in subacromial impingement syndrome"