Apley's scratch test purpose?

Apley's scratch test purpose?

• A. To assess combined functional shoulder mobility across flexion, extension, abduction and internal and external rotation.
• B. To assess elbow range of motion.
• C. To assess cervical rotation.
• D. To assess grip strength.

Answer: (C)

Apley’s scratch test evaluates how freely the shoulder moves across several directions to gauge overall shoulder range of motion. In this test, one hand reaches over the shoulder to touch the opposite scapula, which mostly assesses external rotation combined with abduction. The other hand reaches behind the back to touch or approximate the opposite scapula from below, which mainly tests internal rotation and extension. By comparing how far each hand can reach, you get a sense of the shoulder’s combined functional mobility across flexion, extension, abduction, and both rotations. It’s not about elbow range, neck (cervical) rotation, or grip strength, which are tested separately.

Apley’s scratch test evaluates how freely the shoulder moves across several directions to gauge overall shoulder range of motion. In this test, one hand reaches over the shoulder to touch the opposite scapula, which mostly assesses external rotation combined with abduction. The other hand reaches behind the back to touch or approximate the opposite scapula from below, which mainly tests internal rotation and extension. By comparing how far each hand can reach, you get a sense of the shoulder’s combined functional mobility across flexion, extension, abduction, and both rotations. It’s not about elbow range, neck (cervical) rotation, or grip strength, which are tested separately.