Table 2 Target muscles with related functions and clinical tests

Flexor Carpi Ulnaris

FCU

Flexes and adducts the wrist, and may assist in flexion of the elbow

Flexion of the wrist toward the ulnar side, with the forearm in full supination and supported by the examiner

Extensor Carpi Radialis

ECR

Extends and abducts the wrist, and assists in flexion of the elbow

Extension of the wrist toward the radial side, with the forearm in slightly less than full pronation and rest on the table for support

Biceps Brachii

BIC

Flexes the shoulder joint and assists with shoulder adduction. Flexes the elbow and, with the origin fixed, supinates the forearm

Elbow flexion with the forearm in supination

Triceps Brachii

TRIC

Extends the elbow joint and assists in adduction and extension of the shoulder joint

Extension of the elbow joint, with the shoulder at 90° abduction, and with the arm supported by the table

Anterior Deltoid

AD

Flexes and, in the supine position, medially rotates the shoulder joint. Stabilizes the abduction of the shoulder joint.

Shoulder abduction in slight flexion, with the humerus in slight lateral rotation

Lateral Deltoid

LD

Abduction of shoulder joint

Shoulder abduction without rotation and with the elbow should be flexed

Posterior Deltoid

PD

Extends and, in the prone position, laterally rotates the shoulder joint. Stabilizes the abduction of the shoulder joint

Shoulder abduction in slight extension, with the humerus in slight medial rotation

Supraspinatus

SS

Abducts and laterally rotates the shoulder joint, and stabilizes the head of the humerus in the glenoid cavity during these movements

With the elbow bent, the arm is placed in abduction to shoulder level. Have the subject hold the position of slight anterior abduction and slight external rotation against pressure