Empty Can Test
Original Editor - Tyler Shultz
Lead Editors
Purpose
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The Empty Can Test is used to assess the supraspinatus muscle and tendon.
Technique[1]
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The patient can be seated or standing for this test. The patient's arm should be elevated to 90 degrees in the scapular plane, with the elbow extended, full internal rotation, and pronation of the forearm. This results in a thumbs-down position, as if the patient were pouring liquid out of a can. The therapist should stabilize the shoulder while applying a downwardly directed force to the arm, the patient tries to resist this motion. This test is considered positive if the patient experiences pain or weakness with resistance.
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Evidence[edit | edit source]
Boettcher CE, et al.[3] demonstrated with normalised EMG that the Empty Can Test activates supraspinatus to levels approximately 90% MVC. Concurrent activation of other shoulder muscles tested including other rotator cuff muscles (infraspinatus and upper subscapularis), scapular positioning muscles (upper, middle and lower trapezius, and serratus anterior), and abduction torque producing muscles (anterior, middle & posterior deltoid) were activated to similarly high levels.
Therefore, the Empty Can Test must be questioned as a valid diagnostic tool for isolated supraspinatus pathology, due to the high activation of many shoulder muscles simultaneously.
Resources[edit | edit source]
add relevant resources here
Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Jobe, F.W., Moynes D.R. (1982) Delineation of diagnostic criteria and a rehabilitation program for rotator cuff injuries. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 10, 336-339
- ↑ Online video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjHOqydDhxo, last accessed 02/03/09
- ↑ Boettcher CE, Ginn KA, Cathers I. The ‘empty can’ and ‘full can’ tests do not selectively activate supraspinatus. J Sci Med Sport (2008), doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2008.09.005
