Upper Limb Tension Tests

Authors

Affiliations

Nathaniel Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Purpose

The ULTT is designed to recreate symptons of neuropathy in peripheral nerves by aggravating the peripheral nerves of the upper limb via elongation.

The upper limb tension tests are maneuvers that can be used as qualitative and quantitative diagnostic and outcome measures. In addition, these maneuvers can be used as an intervention.

Grading

Normal responses: deep stretch/ache in cubital fossa, ant/radial aspect of forearm/radial aspect of hand, or in the anterior shoulder area. Sensation felt down radial aspect of forearm, median distribution of the hand¹.
Positive findings: reproduction of symptoms or a sensitizing test in the ipsilateral quadrant that alters the symptoms¹.

DDX between peripheral nerves

Dutton M. Dutton’s Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 5th ed. McGraw Hill Education; 2020.

Citation

For attribution, please cite this work as:

Yomogida N, Kerstein C. Upper Limb Tension Tests. https://yomokerst.com/The Archive/Examination/Tests and Measures/Upper Extremity Tests/ULTT/ULTT_upper_limb_tension_test.html