Chair Apprehension Test

Other Names

• Chair Sign
• Chair Rise Test
• Chair Push-up Test
• Stand-up Test
• Modified Chair Apprehension Tes

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Purpose

Modified Chair Apprehension Test

Illustration of the Chair Apprehension Test

• Evaluate integrity of Lateral Collateral Ligament Complex (Elbow)

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Description

• The patient is seated in a chair and asked to perform a sitting pushup
• The patient begins seated with elbows flexed to 90°, forearms supinated, and arms abducted greater than shoulder width.
• Positive Test
  • Reluctance to extend the elbow fully while using arms to raise up from the chair
  • Pain or reproduction of symptoms from radial subluxation or LUCL instability

Modification

• This test can be used having a patient seated on the floor
  • Attempts to stand up using arms behind back, may use table as support
  • Forearms naturally in max supination posteriorly

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Pathology

• Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury (Elbow)
• Posterolateral Rotatory Instability

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Evidence

• Posterolateral Rotatory Instability
  • Sensitivity: 87%
  • When combined with Pushup Apprehension Test, sensitivity increases to 100%

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See Also

• Elbow Pain (Main)
• Physical Exam Elbow

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