Push Up Apprehension Test
Other Names
- Pushup Sign
- Pushup Test
- Floor push-up test
- Floor pushup test
- Active Floor Push-up Sign Test
- Prone Push Up Test
- Push-Up Apprehension Test
- Push-Up Test
Purpose
- Evaluate integrity of Lateral Collateral Ligament Complex (Elbow)
Description
- Patient is asked to perform a pushup from the floor
- The elbows are placed at 90° flexion, forearms supinated, arms abducted greater than shoulder width.
- Repeat with forearms in pronation
- Positive test
- Apprehension when elbow is terminally extended from a flexed position with voluntary and involuntary guarding or complete dislocation.
- Elbow pain with supination, improves with pronation
Pathology
- Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury (Elbow)
- Posterolateral Rotatory Instability
- Posteromedial Rotatory Instability
Evidence
Posterolateral Rotatory Instability
- Regan et al[4]
- Sensitivity: 87%
- When combined with Chair Apprehension Test, sensitivity increases to 100%
See Also
References
- ↑ Image courtesy of https://www.thestudentphysicaltherapist.com/, "push up sign"
- ↑ Rosenthal, Yoav, and Mark I. Loebenberg. "Evaluation of Elbow Instability with Clinical Testing." The Art of the Musculoskeletal Physical Exam (2023): 141-150.
- ↑ Camp, Christopher L., Jay Smith, and Shawn W. O'Driscoll. "Posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow: Part II. Supplementary examination and dynamic imaging techniques." Arthroscopy techniques 6.2 (2017): e407-e411.
- ↑ Regan W, Lapner PC. Prospective evaluation of two diagnostic apprehension signs for posterolateral instability of the elbow. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2006;15(3):344–346.
Created by:
John Kiel on 22 December 2019 14:52:59
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Last edited:
27 June 2026 15:19:21
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