Internal Rotation Resistance Test

Other Names

• IRRT
• Internal Rotation Resistance Strength Test
• IRRST

---

Purpose

Demonstration of the Internal Rotation Resistance Test

• Evaluate for causes of shoulder pain
• Attempt to distinguish between extra-articular and intra-articular causes of shoulder pain

---

Description

• Patient is standing, examiner behind patient
• Arm is abducted to 90°, externally rotated to 80°
• Ask the patient to externally rotate isometrically, and then internally rotate isometrically
• Positive test for impingement
  • Strength in external rotation, weakness in internal rotation

---

Pathology

• Glenoid Labrum Lesions
• Subacromial Impingement

---

Evidence

Intra-articular Pathology

• Zaslav et al
  • Sensitivity: 88%
  • Specificity: 96%
  • PPD: 88%
  • NPD: 96%
  • Accuracy: 94.5%

---

See Also

• Shoulder Pain (Main)
• Shoulder Anatomy (Main)
• Physical Exam Shoulder

---