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Testing

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Trapezius can be tested by palpating its three parts, superior, middle and inferior, while the patient undertakes the following combined movement:

  • abduct both arms to 90 degrees
  • flex the elbows to 90 degrees
  • rotate arms so that the palms are facing anteriorly

Alternatively, the contraction of the upper fibres can be tested by asking the patient to shrug the shoulders against resistance.

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