Speeds Test

Purpose[edit | edit source]

Speed's Test is used to test for superior labral tears or bicipital tendonitis.

Technique[edit | edit source]

To perform the Speed's Test, the examiner places the patient's arm in shoulder flexion, external rotation, full elbow extension, and forearm supination; manual resistance is then applied by the examiner in a downward direction.[1] The test is considered to be positive if pain in the bicipital tendon or bicipital groove is reproduced.

[2]

Evidence[edit | edit source]

Diagnostic Test Properties for detecting SLAP with Speed's Test[3]
Sensitivity   0.32
Specificity   0.75
Positive Likelihood Ratio   1.28
Negative Likelihood Ratio   0.91


Test Item Cluster: The Speed's Test is often combined with the Yergason's Test to detect bicipital tendonitis.

See test diagnostics page for explanation of statistics.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Dutton, M. (2008). Orthopaedic: Examination, evaluation, and intervention (2nd ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
  2. Physiotutors. Speed's Test ⎟ Biceps Pathology. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbG_O9Gv8aQ
  3. Holtby, R., Razmjou, H. (2004). Accuracy of the Speed's and Yergason's test in detecting bicpes pathology and SLAP lesions: comparison with arthroscopic findings. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, 20(3), 231-236