Apprehension / Relocation test

Question 1

What does this test diagnose?

Answer 1

glenohumeral instability

Question 2

What is the rationale behind this test?

Answer 2

By positioning the shoulder into abduction and lateral rotation, a patient presenting with shoulder instability may feel “apprehensive” as they feel close to dislocation.
The apprehensiveness should subside when the therapist stabilises the GH joint and continues to laterally rotate.

Question 3

What does a positive result identify?

Answer 3

GH joint anterior instability

Question 4

Apprehension / relocation test procedure

Answer 4

1) Explain & IC
2) Patient lies face up on plinth, shoulder abducted & elbow flexed to 90
3) physio stood to the side, supporting limb through lateral rotation, observe patient behaviour
4) stop movement if patient looks or reports apprehensiveness
5) reset & do same movement but fix GH joint with AP pressure
6) ask patient if they’re less “ apprehensive”

Question 5

Positive result of apprehension test

Answer 5

Lowered apprehension levels when GH joint is fixed - indicates anterior instability of GH joint

Question 6

Negative result of apprehension test

Answer 6

No apprehension when arm is fully laterally rotated
No difference in apprehension when AP pressure is applied

Question 7

Result: Lowered apprehension levels when GH joint is fixed.
What does this mean?

Answer 7

indicates anterior instability of GH joint